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Thieves rob and pepper-spray cellphone sellers in Abbotsford

Police warn of three incidents involving Craiglist ads
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The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) is warning the public about a series of cellphone thefts that took place after the victims advertised on craigslist.

Const. Ian MacDonald said three similar thefts have taken place in the area since Feb. 23.

In all three cases, an iPhone 6 was offered for sale through the craigslist classified advertising website.

Meetings were arranged with the buyers between 2:15 and 6 p.m. When the sellers arrived, they were pepper-sprayed by two suspects, and their phones were stolen.

MacDonald said people making arrangements with unknown individuals for the sale of items should exercise caution.

“Meeting during daylight hours at a busy public location is preferable to meeting a potential buyer at your home or on a street,” he said.

Anyone with information about these robberies should contact the APD at 604-859-5225, text 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.