West Shore RCMP are currently investigating two separate reports of robbery involving iPhones sold over Facebook Marketplace.
Both reports were received on the evening of January 5th.
The first incident took place near the 800 block of Hockley Avenue in Langford at around 7 p.m. after the seller agreed to meet with a man to sell an iPhone.
According to police, the man allegedly attempted to steal the iPhone from the seller, and assaulted them in the process. The suspect ran on foot towards Goldstream Avenue.
The second incident took place shortly after, at around 7:30 p.m,. in the 3100 block of Jacklin Avenue in Langford. Again, the seller agreed to meet with a man who was selling an iPhone.
The suspect reportedly stole the iPhone from the seller and then ran away on foot.
Police searched the areas at the time of the reports but were unable to locate the suspect.
The suspect is described as a 15 to 20-year-old man of Middle Eastern descent, with brown curly chair and brown eyes, and a clean shaven face.
He was said to be wearing a green zip-up hoodie, black baggy pants, and white “Air Force” style shoes.
Police are using these incidents as reminders to the public that there is always an inherent risk to selling or purchasing items online from strangers.
They advised that you should take the proper precautions, including meeting up during daylight hours or in a well-lit place that is near video surveillance, take a family member or friend with you and rely on contactless pickup when possible.
If you know who this suspect could be or have information that could help in the investigation, call West Shore RCMP at (250) 474-2264.
You can report anonymously online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
