A Kitchener youth is facing several charges related to thefts of cell phones and laptops police allege were conducted under the guise of a sale exchange brokered online.
Waterloo Regional Police say between Oct. 9 and Nov. 16, the suspect stole seven cell phones and one laptop after arranging to buy the items from victim’s who had posted the items for sale on a buy-and-sell website.
In each incident, the suspect met the victim at the arranged location and stole the item for sale.
On Nov. 21, investigators completed a search warrant at a residence in Kitchener and located and seized the stolen laptop.
As a result of the investigation, a Kitchener youth was arrested and charged with eight counts of theft under $5,000.
The investigation remains ongoing by members of WRPS’ General Investigations Unit.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service has three Buy and Sell Exchange Zones in the Waterloo Region.
These zones, which are located in the parking lot of WRPS facilities, aim to provide some additional peace of mind to those who are buying, selling, or trading property online. Members of the public are encouraged to utilize these Exchange Zones when meeting people to finalize online transactions.
If you are unable to meet a Buy and Sell Exchange Zone, consider completing your transactions in well-lit, public, and popular locations to help avoid being a victim of crime.
For information on the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, please visit https://bit.ly/31ooigY.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
