Police issue alert over North Oakland craigslist armed robberies
on December 27, 2010
On Monday afternoon the Oakland Police Department issued a community alert regarding a series of robberies in East and North Oakland that have occurred after victims responded to phony craigslist ads offering vehicles for sale. According to the OPD, victims have been lured to locations where they have been robbed at gunpoint by suspects described as African American men between the ages of 20 and 30. Some of the victims have been assaulted.
Anyone with information regarding these robberies is asked to contact OPD Officer Eric Milina in the Robbery Unit at 510-238-3426. Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.
The OPD offers the following tips for people considering buying merchandise from online listings services like craigslist:
1. Do not agree to meet in secluded or residential areas. Highly populated and well traveled areas are safer.
2. Do not travel to any location carrying a large amount of cash.
3. If someone or something looks suspicious leave. Especially if you arrive at the location and there is no vehicle visible.
4. If you are robbed, give the suspects the property they are asking for; your life is more valuable than your property.
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