Two Edmonton youths are facing multiple charges after the Edmonton Police Service investigated a series of robberies that were initiated through Facebook Marketplace between April and May.
Details of the Robberies
Police began investigating multiple reports of robberies committed by someone posing as a buyer on Facebook Marketplace, according to a Friday news release. The suspect would convince an iPhone seller to meet them so they could inspect the device, then rob the seller of the item, often under the threat of bear spray and a knife.
These robberies took place in the Richfield and Millbourne areas of Edmonton. Police said the suspects fled on foot after the incidents.
Arrests and Charges
EPS arrested two boys on June 11 in connection with the robberies. The suspects, whose identities cannot be released because of their age, face a total of seven charges. These include four counts of robbery, two counts of breach of probation, and one count of assault with a weapon.
EPS noted in the release that police have received approximately 26 reports related to iPhone-related incidents exclusively on Facebook Marketplace. These kinds of crimes are continuing to occur citywide and are being committed by multiple individuals who are not always connected, police said.
Police Recommendations
Police recommend that sellers do not meet buyers in secluded places or invite strangers into their homes. Sellers should always ask the buyer or seller for photo identification and take screenshots of the advertisements, the advertisement ID number, and any other information that may help identify a suspect.
Underreporting of Crimes
Police said these crimes are severely underreported and encourage anyone who has been victimized by robbers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji to contact police.
