Earlier this year, EPS issued a news release regarding an ongoing series of personal robberies involving Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace sales of higher-priced items, such as newer Apple iPhone and computer products. In each case, a suspect posing as a buyer meets up with the seller, evaluates the item(s) for sale and then robs the seller of the item, often using bear spray, uttering threats or presenting a firearm. Sometimes, the robbery involves more than one suspect. Additionally, the suspects have been known to sell fake iPhones to unsuspecting buyers and/or use counterfeit money.
Thanks to ongoing efforts by EPS Patrol and Investigative Response Teams (IRT), three adults were arrested late last month and charged with a combined total of 30 offences in relation to eight separate incidents:
- Cody Bear, 18, is facing 23 charges, including robbery (x5), attempted robbery (x2) and possession of a weapon (x5).
- Delvoi Sadiki, 19, is facing six charges including robbery (x2), assault with a weapon (x2) and disguise with intent (x2)
- Arianna Mejia, 19, is charged with one count of robbery.
Since mid-December, police have received 53 reports of these incidents. While a large portion of the robberies took place in the Hillview and Richfield neighbourhoods, detectives can confirm they are taking place citywide. At this time, the robberies remain ongoing and investigators believe the crimes are being committed by multiple individuals who are not always connected. Police are warning people to be vigilant when arranging online sales meetups and consider the following recommendations:
- Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home. Suggest meeting during the day at one of the EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones.
- Ask the buyer/seller for photo ID. Take a photo of it for your reference.
- Take screenshots of the advertisements, the advertisement ID number, the seller's/buyer’s contact information, and all communications.
- Obtain a bill of sale and verify the seller's identity through photo ID. Inform the seller that you want this before meeting; this will deter those selling illegitimate property from selling the property.
- Do not disclose to the seller how you will be paying if it's not necessary. If the seller is aware that you will be arriving with a large quantity of cash, it is an excellent opportunity for a personal robbery to take place.
“We are pleased to share that we have made some arrests in relation to these incidents and want Edmontonians to know that we continue to diligently investigate these offences,” says Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart, with the EPS Investigative Response Team. “If you are buying or selling items on online platforms, remember to put your safety first and trust your instincts. If something feels off at any point, it probably is and it’s best to abandon the transaction.”
For more information about online buying and selling safety and EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones visit the EPS website.