The New Westminster Police Department is warning the public to be extra careful when purchasing items from unknown sellers online after an attempted robbery on March 22.
On Friday afternoon, a 47-year-old man arranged a meeting with another man to purchase an iPhone he was selling on Craigslist. When the men met in the 1900-block of Seventh Avenue, around 12:30 p.m., the victim told the NWPD the seller attempted to lure him to the back of a home to "complete the transaction."
The victim refused to go with the other man, at which point he pulled out a knife and demanded he give him all his cash. The victim fled on foot, escaping the robbery and was not injured.
The suspect is described as a 27 to 30-year-old, Indo-Canadian man, 6'2" tall with an athletic build. He had short dark hair, stubble on his face, and was wearing blue jeans and carrying a black bag.
The NWPD want to remind residents to follow some simple safety tips when purchasing items from sellers online. According to a media release issued by the NWPD, people should refrain from paying for items before they personally inspect them, should never meet anyone alone or in isolated areas, and should never arrange to meet unknown sellers at their own residence.
Anyone with information can contact the NWPD at 604-525-5411.
