Richmond RCMP issue warning after violent marketplace thefts [Video]

Following a string of violent robberies linked to an online marketplace, Richmond RCMP are warning the public to be aware of the dangers of buying and selling online.

A series of six alleged robberies were carried out near a local school on the 9500 block of Williams Road in Richmond, Mounties said in a release on Monday. Numerous schools are located on Williams Road, with that particular stretch home to James Whiteside Elementary, Hugh McRoberts Secondary, and Child’s World Preschool.

According to police, several of the sellers reported being threatened with a weapon, while another reported being physically assaulted by two suspects.

All incidents involved someone trying to sell an item through an online marketplace and meeting their potential buyers near the school. The buyers would ask to look at the item being sold before taking it and fleeing with it, or they would refuse to pay and enlist the …