Police warn of knife-point robberies targeting online sellers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 12:29 · Archive

Police have warned of knife-point robberies targeting people arranging to buy and sell goods online across Nottinghamshire.

Thieves armed with knives have targeted people arranging online sales across Nottinghamshire, attempting to steal motorbikes, electric bikes, cash and a games console. Six arrests have been made following four separate incidents since 21 October.

The first robbery occurred in Mansfield after a victim arranged to buy jewellery through social media. The victim was persuaded to get into a car, where they were threatened with a knife and forced to hand over thousands of pounds. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with the incident. The following day, a man in Newark who had travelled to sell an off-road motorbike he had advertised on social media was robbed when a group arrived, produced a knife and stole the bike. Four boys, aged 15, 15, 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of robbery, and the motorbike was recovered and returned to its owner.

Detective Chief Inspector Les Charlton said: 'These incidents sadly showcased some of the dangers associated with these types of transactions. Both saw the victims arrive at a location agreed on social media with the intention of buying or selling an item, before being threatened with a weapon and robbed.' He urged the public to take care when arranging transactions through social media. Detectives are continuing to investigate the incidents, and are also investigating two further robberies in Nottingham on 25 October which are not believed to be linked.

How it is being reported

• Police issue warning after spate of knife-point robberies involving online salesStolen bikes and gaming consoles were targeted in a series of robberiesNottinghamshire Live · 30 Oct, 11:46
• Police advice for online buyers and sellers after Mansfield robberyPolice have issued advice for people arranging to buy and sell goods online after series of knifepoint robberies, including in Mansfield.Mansfield Chad · 30 Oct, 11:12

In this story: Mansfield · Nottinghamshire · Newark · Nottingham · Detective Chief Inspector Les Charlton

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