CASEY police are warning people to keep vigilant after a spate of phone thefts in the area involving the online sales website Gumtree.
It’s understood the offenders call people who are selling their phones on Gumtree, organise to meet up with them for the transaction, and then flee with the owner’s phone.
In some cases the offenders are even using violence to steal the phones, Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Maroney said.
“It’s an increasing trend that we’re seeing and it can escalate into violence,” he said.
Earlier this year Star News reported on an incident in which a 42-year-old man was robbed when he was lured to an address in Narre Warren South after using Gumtree.
Gumtree advises online shoppers to have someone with them if they are visiting’s someone’s house for a transaction, or have someone with them if a customer is coming to their house, to always inspect the item before agreeing to a sale, and to never send or wire money to anyone they don’t know.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
