West Shore RCMP are investigating after someone was robbed while meeting up with another person to buy used gaming consoles.
Around 10 p.m. on Oct. 27, the victim met up with the suspect in the 1200-block of Goldstream Avenue in response to a UsedVictoria ad to purchase gaming systems like a PS5, XBox and Nintendo Switch.
After discussing the gaming systems, the suspect then pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the victim.
The victim, a 32-year-old man was able to run away and get to a safe place before calling police. He was unharmed.
Police responded and conducted a search with police dogs but were unable to find the suspect.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his 20s, approximately 5’8″, wearing a face mask, grey toque, black jacket and pants and white sneakers, slim build and with short hair.
West Shore RCMP advises people to be cautious when meeting up to buy items online, especially if they are listed for a price well below its regular value.
Some safety tips RCMP recommends are:
- Always meet in a well-lit public location during day time hours, preferably in an area that uses surveillance cameras;
- Take a loved one or friend with you or inform them of your plans to meet with sellers;
- Use e-transfer instead of carrying cash with you.
This comes after Victoria Police issued a notice they were looking for a suspect in a similar crime.
Around 10 p.m., a victim met up in the 100-block of South Turner Street to buy a PS5 off UsedVictoria and after speaking with the suspect he pulled a handgun on him. The suspect handed over money, got themselves to a safe location and called 911.
While VicPD was searching for the suspect, a second victim approached officers saying they were robbed after having arranged to buy a PS5 at the same location. Police believe these two incidents were related.
In this incident, the suspect is descirbed as a caucasian man around six feet tall with a skinny build. He was wearing dirty white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, dark blue camouflage pants, a black jacket with no hood, a dark toque, and a dark-coloured face mask.
West Shore RCMP and VicPD officers are investigating the possibility that these three incidents are related.
“We have been in contact with Victoria Police Department and are aware of similar reports of robbery in their jurisdiction within the last few days,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar of West Shore RCMP in a news release. “At this time, it is undetermined if these crimes are related.”
Anyone with information about the Langford incident is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
Anyone with information about the Victoria incidents is asked to call VicPD at 250-995-7654 extension 1.
-With files from CHEK’s Ethan Morneau
Laura Brougham
