NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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INNISFIL - South Simcoe Police Service officers have charged two Toronto men after a Kijiji sale turned into an assault and robbery in Innisfil.
The incident took place on Thursday, July 18, 2019, around 8 p.m. at Webster Park in Innisfil. Two women had agreed to meet a pair of potential buyers of a cell phone which was listed for sale on Kijiji.
The women became suspicious, attempted to stop the transaction and leave the park when one of women was punched and pushed. The suspects grabbed the cell phone and ran off. The victim did not sustain any injuries and declined medical treatment.
Police learned of a similar incident at the park earlier the same day where the would-be victim became wary of the sale and left before anything happened.
Following a detailed investigation by the Street Crime Unit, two suspects were identified and arrested.
An 18-year-old Toronto man was charged with Robbery with Violence and Trafficking in Stolen Goods. A 19-year-old Toronto man was charged with Robbery with Violence and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Both were released with court dates in November.
South Simcoe Police Service urges buyers and sellers of online items to always be vigilant. Meeting at a public location will help ensure your safety. Choose well lit areas with other people and if possible security cameras.
Busy parking lots of coffee shops, fast food restaurants, or even our police stations are good choices. If something seems to good to be true, it usually is. Trust your gut and use common sense.
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