Robbery Arrest from In-Person Transaction, Safe Exchange Zones Provided for Public Safety

Use Caution When Meeting for Transactions

At approximately 6:50 p.m. last Friday, officers were called to the 1800 block of Mansion Avenue for the report of an armed person. Upon arrival officers determined that a robbery had taken place. A family reported they arrived to the location to buy an iPhone 11 as listed on Facebook Marketplace when they were robbed by an armed male who stole their mobile phone and cash. There were no injuries. First Precinct detectives investigated and, with the assistance of Second Precinct officers, quickly made an arrest.

Completing online transactions with unknown parties in person can present security challenges. Every day, people within our community are buying, selling or swapping items through the use of websites such as LetGo, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. While the vast majority of those offline exchanges are completed without incident, internet exchange-related activities can present the potential for threats including theft, robbery and other violent crimes.

For the safety of residents within our community, the Richmond Police Department is asking residents to exercise caution when initiating in-person meetings from online activity, to heed safety tips, and to consider using “Safe Exchange Zones” for completing transactions.

RPD safe exchange zones are marked areas in the parking lots of Second Precinct, 177 E. Belt Blvd. and Fourth Precinct, 2219 Chamberlayne Ave., with security cameras positioned in the parking lot of each building. Safe exchange zones should be considered when meeting unknown persons for transactions. These areas are recorded around the clock and this video is beneficial to detectives should a criminal investigation become necessary.

RPD recommends these safety tips:

• Stay alert;
• Use a Safe Exchange Zone;
• Meet during the daytime, not at night;
• Bring someone with you to the exchange, and;
• Meet in a public place with other people nearby.

 

Media outlets: Lt. Brereton of RPD First precinct is available for interviews. Please contact for availability.