BC woman robbed trying to sell designer handbag over Facebook Marketplace

Mounties in Langley are investigating a robbery that took place during an arranged in-person meeting for an online marketplace sale.

The RCMP says the victim called Monday night to inform police that she was robbed while trying to sell a designer handbag that she had posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

She had arranged to meet the prospective buyer at a residential building in the 20000 block of 85 Avenue around 6:20 pm on Monday.

“The buyer initially viewed the bag inside the building and then convinced the victim to bring it outside so he could show it to a family member,” an RCMP release explained.

“Once outside, the suspect grabbed the bag from the victim’s hands, pushed her to the ground and ran to an idling vehicle parked on 86 Avenue before fleeing the area.”

Since the incident was reported, the RCMP was able to obtain surveillance footage of the suspect and are releasing it in the hopes that a member of the public may recognize him.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators in the matter is asked to contact the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.

In the meantime, police say this unfortunate situation serves as a reminder about the risks that come with meeting strangers to complete online marketplace transactions.

The RCMP advises following these tips when buying or selling items online:

• Arrange to meet buyers or sellers in well lit public places.
• Consider completing transactions inside your local police detachments or other monitored areas.
• Avoid meeting alone when selling high value items.
• Do not allow strangers into your residence.
• Trust your instincts and cancel the meeting if something feels suspicious.