In Edmonton, Alberta, over a dozen robberies have taken place in a month where victims were targeted while selling items on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. The Edmonton Police Service has reported around 15 incidents involving personal robberies during transactions involving high-value items such as cellphones and designer clothes. These robberies often involved a suspect posing as a buyer who would assess the items before accomplices would join in, leading to a theft that sometimes involved threats or displays of firearms.

The police have emphasized the importance of safety precautions while engaging in second-hand sales online, urging sellers to meet in public places and to be cautious about meeting individuals they do not know. This warning comes in light of the trend where robbers exploit the anonymity provided by online marketplaces, creating a dangerous situation for unwary sellers. The initial reports of these robberies were concentrated in the Duggan neighborhood but have spread to multiple areas across the city in recent weeks.

In response to these incidents, the authorities have made three arrests related to the robberies, marking a proactive approach to addressing the alarming trend of violent crime linked to online sales. These developments underline the need for ongoing vigilance among users of online marketplaces, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to ensure public safety within the community.