Oakland police said on Saturday that a potential car buyer was robbed at gunpoint, becoming the second Craigslist victim in 24 hours, following two other Craiglist robberies in the city last month.
According to police, the most recent Craigslist robbery occurred near 62nd and Outlook avenues
in Oakland, while Friday night’s victim was robbed when meeting a Craigslist seller near 73rd
Avenue.
Both victims had responded to car ads listed on Craigslist.
These two recent Craigslist heists follow two more in early August, and also on Aug. 28. Police said a couple trying to buy a Mercedes-Benz met the seller at the Lake Merritt BART Station just before noon. They were driven to a nearby bank, police said, where they withdrew thousands of dollars to complete the transaction. A short time later, the seller picked up an accomplice where they headed for Interstate 580 for a test drive. Police said they pulled over on an off ramp and held the couple by gunpoint. They took all of their valuables before letting them go. The couple was able to walk down to safety from the off ramp, and they were not injured. Police are offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
Police advise people to exercise caution when buying or selling items on Craigslist and to follow
the following practices for safety:
- Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe
- Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home
- Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items
- Tell a friend or family member where you're going
- Consider having a friend accompany you
- Use cashier check or money order rather than cash
- Trust your instincts
