VicPD are warning the public a thief is on the loose claiming to sell a PlayStation 5 (PS5) online, then robbing his victims at gunpoint.
Around 10 p.m. on Wednesday night patrol officers and Integrated Canine Service (ICS) officers responded to the 100-block of South Turner Street to a report of armed robbery.
The victim of the robbery reportedly told officers they had found an ad on Used Victoria that was selling a used PS5.
According to police, the victim said the ‘seller’ met them at that location where the two of them spoke for several minutes until the ‘seller’ produced a handgun without warning, pointed it at the victim and demanded the money intended for purchasing the PS5.
Police say the victim then handed over their money and fled the area on foot. Once in a safe place, they called 911.
The victim was unhurt, physically.
Police say they searched the area extensively for the suspect but were unable to find him.
While the officers were searching for the suspect, they say they were approached by a second person saying they had arranged to buy a used PS5 in that area.
Similarities between the circumstances lead officers to believe that the two incidents were related.
VicPD wants to warn anyone arranging a meeting for similar circumstances to follow these steps to protect themselves:
- Meet sellers and buyers in brightly lit, public places with people around, that are likely to have surveillance cameras, like a shopping mall, public library or municipal building;
- Conduct the financial transaction by e-transfer instead of carrying cash;
- Bring a friend or family member with you;
- If something does go wrong, get yourself to a safe place, and call 911.
Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian man, standing approximately six feet tall, with a skinny build.
During the robbery, police say he was wearing dirty white Nike Air Force One sneakers, dark blue camouflage pants, a black jacket with no hood, a dark toque and a dark-coloured COVID mask.
Anyone with information about this incident, or has surveillance footage from the area is asked to call VicPD at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Last night, Patrol & @ICS_K9 responded to the 100-block of South Turner. The victim answered a Used Victoria ad for a used PS5 & robbed at gunpoint by the "seller". Searching for the suspect, officers found a 2nd potential victim. #yyj https://t.co/YRFZNfhAfJ pic.twitter.com/0fLPBIxaSz
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) October 27, 2022
 online, then robbing his victims at gunpoint.){kind=link}