The Windsor Police Service is urging people to take precautions when buying or selling items online after several thefts and robberies over the last couple of weeks.
In December, police investigated four similar incidents believed to involve the same suspect. In all cases, the victims reported that they agreed to meet the suspect to sell him something. In each case, the suspect ran off with the item after either forcefully grabbing the item or asking to see the item first. Investigators were able to identify the suspect and a youth was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery, one count of assault and two counts of theft.
Police investigated a similar incident where an item was taken from the victim after meeting on Peter Street on December 30. Officers identified the suspect and the 21-year-old was arrested. He is facing one count of theft under $5,000.
Another incident happened back on December 20. Investigators tracked down the suspect who was arrested on January 5, 2022. An 18-year-old was arrested and charged with robbery.
Police are offering several tips when buying or selling from people online. They recommend doing all transactions during daylight hours or in well-lit locations, meeting in a busy place with witnesses or surveillance cameras, and bringing a friend or family member to witness the transaction. Police say you should also keep all emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the buyer or seller.
Anyone with information about these or similar incidents is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service - Property Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com
