Facebook Marketplace Thefts - Crime Prevention

Facebook Marketplace Thefts - Crime Prevention

Dear Resident

We’re issuing advice to members of the public to help them stay safe when selling items online.

The warning comes following reports of vehicles and mobile phones being taken without payment in the #HemelHempstead area recently.

While selling items online is a great way to pass on unwanted goods, it can unfortunately present opportunities for thieves.

We’d urge sellers to exercise caution and consider the following advice when using such platforms:

Check the buyer’s profile to ensure it is active and well established, rather than newly created.

Arrange to meet buyers in a busy, public location, covered by CCTV, and have someone else with you if possible. If you are not familiar with the area, check it out on Google Maps first.

Cash is usually the safest payment method, or PayPal. Avoid bank transfers, or payment methods that require you to click a link.

If selling a vehicle, never leave potential buyers alone with it and don’t hand over any keys, as they could be swapped for a fake one, enabling offenders to return and take the car at a later date.

If you have any suspicions or concerns about the person you are dealing with, or you feel unsafe, walk away and report any incidents to police. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Louis Beach
(Hertfordshire Constabulary, PCSO, Dacorum - Hemel Hempstead - North Rural, West and Central)