Two men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of robberies targeting people selling goods online.
Since 20 December, there have been at least eight similar robberies reported to police from all across the metropolitan area, including Christies Beach, Bowden, Fairview Park, Elizabeth East and Mount Barker.
In most cases the unsuspecting victims were selling personal items, such as jewellery and mobile phones, through online marketplaces. When they arranged to meet up with the buyer they were assaulted and had their property stolen.
Some victims required medical treatment for their injuries.
Following investigations, police identified two suspects.
On Tuesday 28 December, during a search of a property at Burton for one of the suspects, police instead found two stolen motorcycles and a gel blaster.
Both suspects were located during a traffic stop at Blair Athol on Wednesday afternoon, 29 December, and arrested. As well as further suspected stolen property in the vehicle, officers also seized a knife and knuckleduster.
A 25-year-old man of no fixed address was charged with six counts of aggravated robbery, illegal use, two counts of theft, attempted theft and deception.
A 25-year-old Salisbury East man was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of illegal use.
Neither man applied for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday 30 December.
Investigations are continuing to locate outstanding stolen property, including jewellery.
Police urge people to always consider their personal safety when meeting strangers or people they have met online, whether it is dating or socially, or buying or selling goods.
Consider the following crime prevention tips if selling goods:
- Always meet in a public space that you are familiar with, ideally in an area with CCTV cameras, and during daylight hours
- Attempt to gather details before meeting potential buyer such as person’s name, phone number and email contact
- Tell at least one person where you are going and who you are with, consider bringing a friend/family member
- Ask for identification of buyer, e.g driver’s licence, if they request a ‘test drive’
- Take note of the person’s appearance and description, including their vehicle and registration number if they arrive in a car
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