Two teenagers have been arrested following a police investigation into a string of robberies targeting mobile phone private sellers in Sydney’s west, involving an online marketplace, NSW Police say.
Since December 2016, officers from Flemington Local Area Command have received a number of reports of robberies which have occurred in similar circumstances.
Each of these robberies have involved users of the online marketplace ‘Gumtree’ meeting with prospective buyers to sell their mobile phones.
Police will allege once the seller arrives at the agreed location to sell their phone, they are then robbed of the phone by two males.
Offences have been reported from Lidcombe, Strathfield, Regents Park, Merrylands, Brookvale, Marsfield, and Canley Heights.
Detectives from Flemington Local Area Command established Strike Force Hayden to investigate the incidents and were assisted with information provided by Gumtree.
Following inquiries and assistance from the public, today Strike Force Hayden detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Canley Heights where a 17-year-old boy was arrested.
During the search police located and seized a mobile phone.
A short time later, an 18-year-old man was arrested in at a home in Auburn.
Both teens were taken to Auburn Police Station where they are currently assisting with inquiries.
Investigations continue with further charges expected to be laid.
Anyone with information about these incidents who has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
