Police warn of increase in robberies during meet-ups to buy, sell items

Alex Jokich KSTP

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Police in the metro are warning about an increase in robberies involving in-person meet-ups for Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist purchases.

“It’s very sad. It’s sad that people are being targeted,” said Sgt. Mike Ernster, public information officer with St. Paul Police Department. “They go into a situation thinking they’re going to get a special gift for their family member and then end up not only without the gift, but without money, without a cell phone and going through the trauma of a robbery situation.”

The City of Minneapolis recently sent an email to residents, which said, in part:

“MPD has seen an increase in robberies associated with buying and selling items using social media such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. During an in-person meeting to complete the planned transaction, individuals have been robbed of the item being sold or the money being paid. In some cases, people have been shot.”

An in-person purchase turned deadly two weeks ago in Plymouth.

Investigators said 17 year old Yaseen Johnson met up with an online seller in a parking lot to purchase a pair of shoes and was shot in the head and chest.

Police are urging people to carefully consider where and how they schedule meet-ups with buyers and sellers online.

“Anytime anybody purchases anything online, there is a level of risk to it,” Ernster said. “People involved in these types of robberies are opportunistic and if they see an opportunity they can seize on, they’re going to take it.”

He recommends people meet at a police station or public area that is well lit.

“Bring another person, somebody to come with you, somebody you trust who that can be there to watch your back a little bit,” Ernster said.

He also warns to be wary of deals that seem ‘too good to be true.’

“Rather than a really good deal and being excited for the good deal, you should start to think about your personal safety and what this could mean,” Ernster said.

Police also recommend using a payment app instead of bringing money with you.

Many cities have their own ‘safe swap’ locations. Here is a list of some across the metro: