Victoria police are investigating if a recent residential break-in was related to an online sale that the resident was taking part in.
The victim of the break-in was returning home around 11 p.m. on Dec. 1 when he noticed his front door had been kicked in, police say.
The victim then discovered that several electronics, including two laptops and two gaming consoles, had been stolen from the inside home.
Police say the victim recently listed one of the laptops for sale online, and he had given his home address to several prospective buyers.
Investigators are now looking to see if those online deals are linked to the break and enter.
Online safety tips
Victoria police are encouraging residents to be cautious when it comes to online sales.
Safety tips from VicPD include buying or selling items in public places, such as in coffee shops or parking lots – and adds that the Victoria Police headquarters front foyer is open for transactions from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
People should also avoid sharing their addresses or personal information until all the details of a sale are finalized, and to listen to your gut if you feel like a deal is “too good to be true.”
More information about scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
VicPD encourages anyone who is a victim of a scam or attempted fraud to contact the E-Comm Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.
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Adam Chan
