Online Sellers Targeted – Kingsley and Mosman Park

Police are reminding members of the public to exercise caution and consider their safety when selling high-value items online, as a 55-year-old man faces court today in relation to two alleged incidents yesterday, Friday 25 March 2022, in Kingsley and Mosman Park.
About 3:20pm police were called to a residence in Kingsley in relation to an incident in which a man was being detained by a resident (victim) and other members of the public. Information received was that the man being detained had just stolen two watches from the victim at knifepoint.
The two watches had been advertised for sale online for a combined value of $50,000 and the seller had invited a potential buyer to his residence to view them. It will be alleged during the conversation the potential buyer produced a knife and threatened the seller, and attempted to leave with the items.
The seller chased after the man and with the assistance of other members of the public detained him in the front yard of his property. Police attended and took the man into custody.
Whilst in custody it was established the man matched the description of a man involved in a similar stealing incident about an hour and a half earlier in Mosman Park in which an engagement ring worth about $45,000 was stolen.
The victim had advertised the ring for sale online and had invited a possible buyer to their residence to view the item. It will be alleged the man stole the item and fled the scene in a vehicle.
During the course of the investigation into both incidents it was established the man in custody had earlier swallowed a ring. As a precaution he was taken to Joondalup Health Campus for a medical assessment, where it was determined he was fit to remain in police custody until the item is recovered.
A 55-year-old man from Perth has been charged by Joondalup Detectives with ‘Aggravated Home Burglary and Commit’ and ‘Armed Robbery’ in relation to the incident in Kingsley and ‘Stealing’ in relation to the incident in Mosman Park. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today, Saturday 26 March 2022.
A WA Police Force spokesperson said these incidents serve as a reminder of the potential dangers and risks associated with selling high-value items online.
“While selling items online can be a convenient way to reach potential customers, it is important that all sellers consider their personal safety when arranging to meet a prospective buyer in person.
“Sellers should consider meeting in a public place, preferably one where there are good quality CCTV cameras, and where possible take a second person with you.
“By taking a few simple steps a seller can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.
“In the event an item is stolen, it may be dangerous to try to recover it – always put your own safety first and call Police on 131 444 to seek assistance.”
/Public Release. View in full here.