Langley RCMP investigate robbery during Facebook Marketplace meeting

Police in Langley say they are investigating a robbery that occurred during a meeting arranged through an online marketplace.

According to a news release from the Langley RCMP, officers received a report at about 6:28 p.m. on March 9 from a woman who said she was robbed while attempting to sell a designer handbag she had listed on Facebook Marketplace.

Police say the victim arranged to meet a prospective buyer at a residential building in the 20000 block of 85 Avenue at about 6:20 p.m. The suspect initially viewed the handbag inside the building, then asked the victim to bring it outside so he could show it to a family member.

According to police, once outside the suspect grabbed the bag from the victim’s hands, pushed her to the ground and ran to a vehicle that was idling on 86 Avenue before leaving the area. Officers say they have obtained CCTV footage of the suspect and are releasing an image in hopes someone may recognize him.

“We are asking anyone who recognizes this individual to contact police,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP in the release. “Incidents like this highlight the risks that can come with meeting strangers to complete online marketplace transactions.”

Investigators say the file remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200 and quote file number 2026-7422.

Authorities are also reminding residents to take precautions when arranging online sales, including meeting in well-lit public places, avoiding inviting strangers into a residence and considering completing transactions at a police detachment or another monitored location.