n### Rising Violence in Online Marketplace Transactions: A Growing Concern in Canterbury
Canterbury Police are sounding the alarm after a surge in violent incidents tied to transactions arranged through social media and online marketplaces. More than a dozen individuals have been threatened, attacked, or robbed while attempting to collect goods purchased online, with some cases involving cannabis deals gone wrong.Authorities fear these incidents represent only the ”tip of the iceberg,” as many victims may be too afraid or embarrassed to come forward.
#### A New Platform for Crime
Detective Sergeant Tabb of Canterbury Police described the trend as a “new platform for theft,” where perpetrators arrange meetings under the guise of legitimate transactions,only to use violence or threats to steal from their victims. “This is something by appointment in effect,” Tabb explained. ”You’re anonymously arranging a meeting,using threats of violence.”
In some cases, buyers believed they where picking up cannabis purchases but were instead threatened and robbed. Sellers are also at risk,with several incidents involving individuals posing as buyers to steal items like cars. “Previously, the perpetrator would potentially go into a dairy or service station and use violence to steal,” Tabb noted. “Now, it’s happening through these arranged meetups.”
#### Weapons and Violence
The incidents have involved a range of weapons, including bats, knives, and firearms—real or imitation. Tabb detailed that out of the reported cases, eight were robberies, three were serious assaults, and two were lower-level assaults. “Some have used weapons, some have been bats, knives. I think in two cases, firearms were presented, whether they were real or imitation… there were others robbed by physical violence,” he said.
In some instances, threats alone were used to intimidate victims, while others involved physical violence. “They will arrange a physical meet up to go somewhere,and it might potentially be an unusual place,maybe middle of the night,it might be a remote location,or somewhere where there is no one else around,” Tabb added.”And when they go there, either the item is taken from them, or are threatened with violence, or violence occurs with the victim.”
#### Safety tips for Online Transactions
tabb urged caution when engaging in online transactions,emphasizing that if a deal ”sounds too good to be true,it probably was.” He recommended thoroughly investigating the other party’s profile,checking for red flags like recently created accounts or lack of detail. Meeting in a public space during daylight hours is also advised, as many of the incidents occurred in secluded areas or late at night, making it easier for perpetrators to escape.
#### A call to Action
Despite the alarming trend, Tabb stressed that there is no evidence linking the assaults and robberies to a single organized group. However, he noted that two of the robberies have been linked to gangs. He encouraged anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to contact police, nonetheless of the nature of the transaction.”Even if the person was buying or selling drugs, we want to hear from them,” he said.
#### Key Statistics
| Incident Type | Number of Cases |
|———————|—————–|
| Robberies | 8 |
| Serious Assaults | 3 |
| Lower-Level Assaults| 2 |
The rise in violence tied to online marketplace transactions highlights the need for vigilance and caution. As Tabb put it, ”the practice here is more commonplace, and it’s not just the violent side, it’s a lot of thefts and money going missing in the anonymity of marketplace.” Stay safe, stay informed, and always prioritize your safety when meeting strangers for transactions.
