Thieves targeting Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace sellers in St. Catharines

Niagara police are investigating after numerous reports of thefts involving expensive items being sold on buy-and-sell websites.

Police say most of the incidents have involved victims who posted ads on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace to sell Apple iPhones or Apple Watches.

They say a person contacts the victims with the intent to purchase the Apple product.

They make arrangements to meet in person to complete the transaction. Once face-to-face, the suspected buyer grabs the items and runs away.

In most of the incidents, police say the thief has suggested meeting at a housing complex in the area of Manchester Ave. and Carleton St. in St. Catharines. In two of the thefts, the suspect went to the victim’s home and stole the item from the victim’s hands when they could.

No one has been physically hurt during the interaction.

Detectives believe at least three or four males have been working together to carry out the thefts.

“The suspects are always well concealed as would be expected due to cold weather or COVID-19 safety protocols,” said police in a news release. “The suspects are believed to be familiar with the housing complex where these thefts have mostly occurred as they are able to avoid detection, and camera footage.”

Police say there is minimal information about the suspects’ descriptions.

Anyone with information that could help police with the investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1024233.