Sandton police are warning residents about a new crime syndicate selling laptops on Facebook and asking buyers to meet them in their homes or at the syndicate’s residence.
According to Sector 3 commander Captain VP Moleya, a victim saw a laptop advertised on Facebook that she would like to buy. She was asked by the seller to come to their guesthouse in Parkmore to view the item.
Moleya said when the buyer arrived at the guesthouse, the seller came out with three friends and the victim found another gentleman sitting in a room.
Moleya added that the victim was robbed and the suspects drove her car and two of their own cars to a nearby mall. He said the suspects threw the victim’s car keys into a field and abandoned her with her vehicle.
According the Moleya, the five suspects (one woman and four men), two of whom were armed, stole items including laptops and cell phones from the victim to the value of R300 000.
“This is a syndicate that people must look out for. They are using a new modus operandi,” said Moleya.
He warned residents to be wary of buying items from people on social media, since the criminals knew that the buyer would want to view the items.
“Don’t allow people to come to your home or visit another person’s home to buy the items. Rather agree to meet in a public place like a police station or restaurant.”
Details: Sandton Police Station 011 722 4200.
