A suspect has been arrested after a series of armed robberies targeting potential buyers of used video game consoles in Victoria and West Shore area.
The suspect was arrested by members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) late in the day on Friday, October 28th.
In a media release, VicPD said the suspect was arrested for four armed robberies, including one in the West Shore.
See also:
- PlayStation classified ad used to lure buyer before gunpoint robbery in Victoria
- Police investigate second gunpoint robbery in Greater Victoria during sale of PS5
According to police, Major Crime Unit (MCU) detectives had been working to identify and locate a suspect after a series of incidents in which potential buyers, who contacted a Used Victoria “seller” of used video game consoles, were instead robbed at gunpoint when they met to complete the purchase.
“The suspect lured his potential victims through a series of ads placed on the Used Victoria website, which advertised a used PlayStation5 and other recently released video game consoles for sale for prices significantly below the going rate,” said VicPD spokesman Bowen Osoko.
Police said they located several realistic replica firearms during a search, after the suspect was arrested.
“While no one was physically injured in these armed robberies, the victims were left deeply shaken,” said Osoko.
During the investigation, investigators determined the suspect interacted with multiple people who have yet to speak with police.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
In light of the incident, VicPD said the Used Victoria team have been responsive to the robberies and have worked to help keep everyone safe.
While the majority of online-facilitated used goods transactions occur without incident, Used Victoria offered key things that you can do to help protect yourself:
- Meet sellers and buyers in brightly lit, public places with people around, that are likely to have surveillance cameras, like a shopping mall, or municipal building
- Bring a friend or family member with you
- If something does go wrong, get yourself to a safe place, and call 911
Anyone with information on similar incidents, call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654.
