By BRIDGET SCOTT
Strap: Virtual shoppers told to watch out in the real world…
POLICE are warning online shoppers to take care after a 42-year-old man was robbed when he was lured to an address in Narre Warren South through internet sales site Gumtree.
They say the occupants of the address where the man was sent to were not aware of any sale.
Police advise that it is safest to carry out the transactions in a public place.
About 5.45pm on Sunday 18 January police said a man went to an address near Demint Walk where he had arranged to pick up a phone he had ordered off popular sales site Gumtree.
Police said that the victim arrived at the address and was still in his car when he was approached by two people who jumped into his vehicle.
It is believed one of the men got in the rear driver’s side door and produced a knife, while the other man sat in the passenger’s seat.
It has been alleged that the victim was told to hand over his belongings, which included a substantial amount of cash, an iPad and an iPad mini.
It is also believed that both men then took off down Demint Walk after the incident.
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.
A 17-year-old male appeared in Melbourne Children’s Court charged with armed robbery yesterday morning (Wednesday).
Investigations are still ongoing, with police eager to speak to the other male involved.
The incident comes as Casey police urging residents to keep their cars locked after a spate of thefts since Christmas.
It’s understood there have been roughly 113 reported thefts from cars in Casey as of 1 January.
They urge anyone who may have been in the area at the time or who have any information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
