Police warning after man allegedly robbed at knifepoint over laptop
Police are warning people using online platforms to buy or sell goods to use public places for their transactions, after a buyer was allegedly threatened at knifepoint and robbed.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Police allege man strangled dad in Revesby
- Pregnant barmaid held up at gunpoint in Regents Park Hotel
- Maestro John Waters channels Bob Dylan in new show
- Check out the history behind some of our landmarks
A man has been charged with armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping at Punchbowl after trying to sell his laptop on an online marketplace.
It is alleged the man contacted a buyer on the online platform regarding a laptop, but when the pair met at an apartment on Dudley St on Febuary 22, the seller pulled out a knife and robbed him.
The inident occured about 5.30pm, where the victim, 33, was held against his will, demanding money and his car keys.
After allegedly stealing money from the vehicle, the seller left the scene and the other man reported it to the police.
Campsie police arrested the man on Thursday, August 15, after extensive investigations into the incident earlier this year and have charged him with armed robbery and aggravated take/detain for advantage.
The case prompted Campsie police crime manager Chief Inspector Paul Albury to warn those selling or buying anything online that they should always meet the person in a public place where there will be witnesses and CCTV, and never at their homes.
“If you are buying or selling anything online, the key thing is to go to a public place where there are several witnesses, it is well lit and has CCTVs,” Chief Inspector Albury said.
“Also you should check the buying and selling history of the person and if there is no real history, be very wary.
“Like the old adage says, ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’.
“If the buyer and seller has a 100 per cent success rate, then it is safer.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
IN OTHER NEWS
