Detectives from the Southern Metro Region Crime Team have charged a fourth man in relation to a number of alleged mobile phone robberies.
The 18-year-old from Hobart, Tasmania attended a police station this afternoon to be interviewed by detectives.
He has been charged with robbery and theft in relation to a number of incidents which have occurred over the past two weeks.
It is believed that all the incidents are linked to buying or selling a mobile phone via an online market place.
Three other people have been arrested and charged:
• A 20-year-old from Dandenong who has been charged with two counts of robbery. He has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 17 May
• A 21-year-old from Cranbourne who has been charged with two counts of robbery. He has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 17 May
• A 17-year-old from Cranbourne who has been released pending summons in relation to a robbery
Using online market places can be a convenient way to sell your phone however your safety is always the number one priority.
If you're planning on using an online site to buy or sell a mobile phone there are a few simple preventative measures you can take:
• Arrange to meet the buyer in a public place where there are CCTV cameras e.g. a shopping centre
• Consider what time of day you arrange to meet the buyer. Choose a time when there's likely to be a lot of people around
• Take a friend or a family member with you when you go to meet the buyer
• Coordinate the exchange via phone call rather than text message
There are also a few behaviours from potential buyers that you should keep your eye out for:
• Changing the agreed transaction time and location at short notice
• Presenting themselves as a female buyer over the phone but a male arrives to conduct the transaction
• Attending the exchange location with multiple people
• Requesting to handle the phone before payment is made, often under the pretext of checking the IMEI number
If you need immediate police assistance always call Triple Zero (000). Report any suspicious behaviour to your local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media Unit
72407
