A spike in robberies related to the popular buy-and-sell app letgo has police warning the public to be vigilant when conducting transactions with strangers.
Mounties said the two most recent incidents occurred last weekend and involved people who had cash or high-value items and were assaulted or threatened.
“Surrey RCMP would like all residents to be aware of the risk associated to using online marketplace apps, which facilitate the necessity to meet unknown people to complete transactions,” said Const. Richard Wright. “There is a risk to meeting up with people you do not know, particularly when arranging the exchange of high-valued items or cash.”
Surrey RCMP first warned the public in September when four robberies were linked to use of letgo. In February, one man was arrested and a second man was being sought by police in the incident.
Later in February, the RCMP announced they had recovered more than $80,000 worth of stolen property, much of which was listed for sale on letgo app, including 40 high-end bicycles, a large quantity of power tools, pellet guns and two firearms with ammunition.
“With this investigation, we have been able to disrupt an organized group who are suspected of trafficking stolen property,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Element at the time. “We encourage everyone to record the serial numbers of their property so in the event it is stolen and recovered, police can return it to you.”
Mounties said there are several things people can do to protect themselves when conducting purchases with strangers.
First, buyers and sellers should always insist on meeting in a public place like a local business or an area with high foot traffic. Police said the transactions should never be conducted in a secluded area or at a private residence.
Second, people need to confirm cellphone numbers before meeting and should avoid communicating exclusively through the app.
“Be especially careful when buying or selling high-value items,” RCMP said in a statement. “Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you’re meeting the buyer/seller.”
Anyone with information about the recent letgo app robberies is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. Those who wish to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or going to www.solvecrime.ca.
If you are a Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam resident and have been the victim of similar crimes, contact Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550; in Port Moody, call 604-461-3456.
