A man who had arranged to buy a vehicle from someone over social media was robbed at gunpoint when he showed up with cash to pay for the car.
Police said the armed robbery happened around 7:45pm Wednesday outside a restaurant on North Church Street in George Town.
“At the time the robbery occurred, the victim had made arrangements to meet someone who claimed to be selling a vehicle via social media. The parties had agreed to meet to view the vehicle and exchange cash,” the RCIPS said in a press release.
Police said the victim was waiting at the rear of the restaurant, when he was approached by two masked men, one of whom had a firearm and the other a knife.
The gunman struck the victim with the firearm and then demanded cash from him.
The robbers fled on foot with a quantity of cash, police said.
According to the RCIPS, the victim did not receive any serious injuries.
Police said the suspect carrying the knife is described as being of dark complexion, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and of medium build. He was wearing a white sweatshirt with a hood. The gunman is described as being of dark complexion, about 5 feet, 8 inches in height and of slender build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
In their statement detailing the robbery, police warned members of the public to take extra precautions when conducting transactions with strangers.
“It is advisable to meet any purported sellers in well-lit, public places, preferably during the day, and to bring a friend or family member with you,” police said.
They warned people not to take large amounts of cash to first meetings, but advised instead to arrange electronic transfers or to leave a small deposit before final exchange.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the George Town Police Station at 949-4222, or leave an anonymous tip at the RCIPS confidential tip line at 949-7777, or via its website.
Related Videos
