Elderly woman nearly robbed in North Vancouver marketplace deal: RCMP
Posted January 30, 2023 4:43 pm.
Last Updated January 30, 2023 4:45 pm.
An elderly woman was pepper-sprayed as part of an attempted robbery during a Facebook Marketplace deal in North Vancouver, according to Mounties.
The North Vancouver RCMP says in the afternoon of Jan. 24, the woman arranged to meet someone at Victoria Park to sell her phone.
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During the deal, police say the woman was pepper-sprayed and the suspect tried to steal her phone. Investigators say the attempted robbery was unsuccessful and the suspect ran away, west from the park.
Mounties say officers “flooded” the area trying to find the suspect but could not find them. Police add the woman has recovered and didn’t suffer any serious injuries.
Police have described the suspect as a male between 22 and 25 years old, clean shaven, about 160 pounds with a slim build and narrow nose. He was last seen wearing a long, yellow, hooded rain jacket, a black backpack, black pants, and black sneakers with red and white colouring.
Const. Mansoor Sahak says the incident serves as a reminder to be careful when making deals over the internet.
“If anyone is making an in-person transaction via Facebook Marketplace or other online services, the North Vancouver RCMP encourage them to make their exchanges at a safe zone outside the detachment,” he said. “It’s a much safer place.”
The “safe zone” outside the North Vancouver RCMP detachment where Mounties recommend you safely make online transactions. (Photo supplied by North Vancouver RCMP)
The so-called “safe zone” is located at 147 E 14th Street in North Vancouver.
