London Police Service officials allege: A Wallaceburg man is facing 10 charges following three robberies in which the victims were contacted through online services.
Police are urging people to ensure they pick a public meeting place if they are buying or selling anything through an online service.
In separate incidents – one on February 1, 2019, and one on April 24, 2019 – two of the victims attended the same residence in the area of Hamilton Road and Hume Street in London, Ontario to purchase items listed for sale on Kijiji.
Once each arrived, they were locked in the residence and robbed of money and belongings at knife point.
On April 26, 2019, a man was supposed to meet a woman he’d interacted with on Plenty of Fish but was instead robbed of his belongings by a man at knife point.
“To ensure your safety when buying or selling an item, or meeting people through an online service, it is essential to do so in a public place,” stated D/Sgt. Ryan Scrivens, head of the LPS General Investigation Section.
“There are a lot of safe places to meet someone whether you are planning on buying or selling an item, or going on a date for the first time. We would encourage you to choose a public place like a coffee shop or restaurant; locations that include the presence of others. Would-be robbers will be unwilling to meet in these public locations and their lack of interest should alert you to their unsavoury motives.”
The 28-year-old Wallaceburg man was arrested April 30, 2019.
He is charged with the following offences:
– Armed robbery X 3
– Forcible confinement X 2
– Assault with a weapon X 2
– Uttering death threats X 2
– Disguise with intent X 1
He is expected to appear in a London court today.
