Police have issued a warning to people looking to purchase mobile phones via an online marketplace after a man was robbed of cash in Sydney’s south-west last night.
About 8pm (Thursday 4 March 2021), a 35-year-old man agreed to meet the seller of a mobile phone advertisement via an online marketplace, in Janali Street at Bonnyrigg.
The seller took the man to a nearby alleyway, where the man handed over a sum of money in exchange for the phone. The seller took the money and then snatched the phone back and ran off.
The man chased after the seller and was threatened by a second man who was armed with a metal pole.
The man was shaken but not hurt during the robbery.
Officers from Fairfield Police Area Command were alerted and commenced an investigation.
In a second incident, about 10.30pm on Wednesday 3 March 2021, a 27-year-old man was assaulted and robbed of cash at Chaffey Place, Bonnyrigg Heights, after answering an online marketplace ad to purchase a phone.
Fairfield City Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Luke Scott said investigators believe the two incidents were linked and they are following a number of lines of inquiry.
“We urge anyone looking to make a purchase through online platforms to exercise caution. Our warning is buyer beware, if seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Det Insp Scott said.
“If possible, meet in an area which the buyer is familiar, or in public places like shopping centres, where there is less likelihood of becoming a victim of opportunistic theft. Any purchase that occurs in an unlit residential street at night is fraught with danger.”
As inquiries continue, investigators would like to speak to two men who may be able to assist.
The first man is described as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern in appearance, about 180cm tall, aged in his early 20s, average build, with short black hair and a black beard. He was wearing long black pants and a black hooded jumper.
The second man is also described as being Mediterranean/Middle Eastern in appearance, about 180cm tall, aged in his early 20s, average build, with short hair and a black beard. He was wearing long black pants and a light blue hooded jumper.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
