Police are investigating three recent incidents involving crimes relating to the online selling of goods.
About 4:40pm on 3 February 2022, a woman was selling an iPhone arranged to meet a potential buyer at a licenced premises in Elizabeth Downs. When she arrived, she was met by two men who subsequently stole her phone. One man is described as being short and of African appearance. The second man is described as Caucasian and approximately 15 years of age.
On the same day, a victim met with a man at his home address at Glynde with the intention of selling a lap top. The victim became suspicious of the suspect when he attempted to pay for the item using a bank transfer which appeared to be falsified. The suspect left without the lap top. The suspect is described as being of African appearance with a slim build and very tall.
At 4:15pm on 6 February 2022, a victim met with a man at his home address at Modbury in an effort to sell his Apple MacBook. The man entered the home of the victim and was shown the MacBook. Once the MacBook was in the suspect's possession, he fled the house without making payment. The suspect is described as being of African appearance, with a slim build and very tall.
Anyone with information about these offences is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report on line at www.crimestoppers.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Police urge people to always consider their personal safety when meeting strangers or people they have met online, whether it is dating or socially, or buying or selling goods.
Consider the following crime prevention tips if selling goods:
* Always meet in a public space that you are familiar with, ideally in an area with CCTV cameras, and during daylight hours.
* Attempt to gather details before meeting potential buyer such as person's name, phone number and email contact.
* Tell at least one person where you are going and who you are with, consider bringing a friend/family member.
* Ask for identification of buyer, e.g driver's licence, if they request a 'test drive'.
* Take note of the person's appearance and description, including their vehicle and registration number if they arrive in a car.
