Richmond RCMP expand safe zone after rise in online marketplace crimes

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Richmond RCMP expand safe zone after rise in online marketplace crimes

Mounties in Richmond are expanding the operational hours of its safe exchange zone, located at the main RCMP detachment at 11411 No. 5 Road.

Officers say there has been an increase in theft and fraud related to online marketplace transactions.

The expanded hours are Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday, and statutory holidays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Richmond RCMP established the safe zone to provide a secure environment for the community to conduct online transactions, such as buying or selling goods from platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

Richmond RCMP’s crime analysis shows a 67 per cent rise in online transaction-related fraud and robbery incidents related to the physical exchange of items, where perpetrators have sometimes used weapons such as bear spray or knives, according to an RCMP news release Wednesday.

Recent crimes include:

• Sept. 15: A male suspect allegedly robbed a victim of $2,000 in clothing after arranging a sale through Facebook Marketplace. The suspect reportedly threatened the victim with bear spray before fleeing.
• Sept. 22: A buyer, reportedly feigning injury, sent an accomplice to a meet-up, where the suspect is alleged to have stolen a box of high-value Pokémon cards before the transaction could be completed.
• Oct. 14: Another incident involved a young suspect allegedly fleeing with a phone after a meet-up in a secondary school parking lot.
• Oct. 29: Officers responded to a report of robbery in-progress following an attempted sale of a hoodie with an unknown male arranged through Facebook Marketplace, conducted at a secondary school parking lot. Richmond RCMP located a potential suspect nearby matching the description provided, who was found in breach of prior conditions. The suspect was arrested and held pending bail hearing.

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Cops in Prince George warn of suspect robbing people with a knife

The RCMP in Prince George RCMP is advising the public to be vigilant after a recent robbery that occurred on Sunday, shortly before 12:30 a.m.

The victim was walking in the area of Ferry Avenue and Westwood Drive when he was approached by a man and woman who demanded his wallet and backpack, according to a news release Wednesday

A man threatened the victim with a knife.

Police officers surrounded the area but were unable to locate the suspects. Police describe the man as Caucasian, between 16 and 20 years old. They describe the woman as also Caucasian, between 18 and 20 years old. Both have a slim build and were dressed all in black.

RCMP advise people to walk with a friend whenever possible.

ticrawford@postmedia.com

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