elaborate craigslist robbery

November 30, 2007 in Robbery by Trench Reynolds | No comments

Craigslist sale ends in Fremont robberies:
An elaborate robbery scheme involving craigslist took place on Wednesday in Fremont, California.

The man told police that he saw a Sony Vaio laptop computer for sale on Craigslist and agreed to meet the sellers in Ardenwood to purchase the item.

When he arrived, the sellers showed him the computer. But just seconds into the transaction, a stranger appeared from the complex, asked what was in the bag, then demanded the computer while displaying the handle of a silver gun that was tucked in his waistband, the San Jose man told police.

The robber also demanded cash from the San Jose man, but fled when the victim said he had none.

Moments later, the sellers of the computer confronted the San Jose man and demanded the $1,400 in cash, which was how much the laptop was supposed to cost.

The sellers then rifled through the victim’s front pockets, took his wallet — which contained no cash — his cell phone and car keys, which they used to unlock his car and steal other items, Veteran said. The man had hidden the cash in a back pocket, police said.

After the sellers ran off, the San Jose man reported the incident to police. He told officers the whole thing may have been a setup.

The anonymity of craigslist continues to breed more criminals.

Tags: California, Fremont, Robbery