Warning as Facebook Market shoppers assaulted and robbed after responding to ads

Police have issued a warning after three people were assaulted and robbed after responding to scam Facebook Marketplace adverts.

Officers are said the three robberies could be linked and now are asking Facebook Marketplace shoppers to be vigilant. In one incident the victim was left with serious injuries.

Police said the incidents happened on Friday 20 December and Monday 30 December on Naburn Street, and Tuesday 21 January on Kingfisher Close in the South Manchester area. A group of men attacked unsuspecting members of the public who believed they were going to purchase a bicycle which they had seen advertised online.

On each occasion, there was no bike, but a group waiting to assault the purchaser. All three victims have been men and one person received serious injuries which required hospital treatment.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have experienced something similar, whether it be in the south Manchester area or not, to come forward.
DI Natalie McDonald investigating said; “These incidents are extremely concerning and preying on those who are genuinely looking to purchase a bike.

“Whilst the incidents so far have been contained to one area of Manchester, it’s possible there may be other victims who have not yet come forward to us elsewhere.

“Our investigation is progressing, but at this stage, I’m asking those purchasing from any sort of marketplace website or from those not known to them to ensure they take steps to keep themselves safe.

“Always meet strangers in public places where there is high footfall and people can see you. Take someone with you so you aren’t alone, let someone know where you are or turn on location sharing settings with a loved one so they are aware of where you are.

“If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, and if you feel unsure about the way someone is communicating with you, it is always best to be cautious and not meet up with them.”

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 101. We encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim to come forward too.

If you’d prefer to give information anonymously, you can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.