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Coles Bentleigh phone theft during Gumtree sale gone wrong

A VICTIM robbed during a Gumtree sale gone wrong has chased down one of the thugs who stole his phone in a dramatic citizen’s arrest.

Police at the scene after the incident. Picture: Supplied
Police at the scene after the incident. Picture: Supplied

A VICTIM robbed during a Gumtree sale gone wrong has chased down one of the thugs who stole his phone in a dramatic citizen’s arrest.

A good Samaritan was also forced to intervene as the captured African youth fought to break free of the victim’s grip with the help of an accomplice.

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The brazen daylight robbery unfolded in the Coles Bentleigh car park about 2pm today.

Two African males met with the victim who was trying to sell his phone.

Phil told the Herald Sun he saw two African men “break away and sprint” from the man standing in the car park.

“They weren’t friendly,” he said.

The victim of a Gumtree sale gone wrong holds on to the alleged offender before police arrive. Picture: Supplied
The victim of a Gumtree sale gone wrong holds on to the alleged offender before police arrive. Picture: Supplied
Police at the scene. Picture: Supplied
Police at the scene. Picture: Supplied

The victim gave chase and grabbed one of the youths by his jumper as the other fled.

Phil said he was forced to intervene when an older African man approached and tried to physically free the youth.

“He was saying ‘let him go. He’s only a kid’,” he said.

“He was trying to rip the guy’s grip off (the youth). He tried to run but I grabbed him and sat him on the pavement. The other guy ran.”

Police arrived within minutes, confirming an 18-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested at the scene.

He has been charged with drug-related offences.

He was bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates’ Court on July 17.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/coles-bentleigh-phone-theft-during-gumtree-sale-gone-wrong/news-story/d18409c8308dcea6857374762206252f