Police warning as Facebook Marketplace sellers in Colchester threatened at knifepoint in robbery

A man has been arrested after two reports of robberies in Colchester which took place following electronic items being offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Essex Police said one of the robberies involved a suspect threatening the victim with a knife.

In both instances, a buyer made contact with the seller and arrived at the agreed location to pay for the item, which included laptops and phones, and purported to make a bank transfer on his phone, which did not go through. In one incident, the suspect pushed the victim and took the item.

Neither victims were sustained in either incident, but both were left shaken by the incidents. The incidents have been linked by detectives in Colchester CID and a man, 41, from West Bergholt, has been arrested.

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He was questioned on suspicion of two counts of robbery and was released on bail whilst our enquiries continue. Essex Police said they are aware of similar incidents that might have taken place in the Colchester.

A spokesperson from Essex Police said: "We’re aware similar incidents may have taken place in the Colchester area which, at this stage, have not been reported and we would encourage anyone affected to please come forward and speak to us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101. Please cite crime references 42/46135/24 and 42/71179/24 in any correspondence."

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