A too-good-to-be-true deal on a fast computer advertised on the Craigslist website last month was exactly that.
The buyer agreed to meet the seller at the intersection of Douglas Crescent and 206 Street with more than $1,000 cash a few hours after he spotted the deal online Feb. 24.
On arrival, he was lured into a nearby apartment building where three men, one of them armed with a gun, took his money.
The victim was not injured.
A witness outside the building reported seeing two males exit the building and get into a black or blue car with a hood scoop that then drove eastbound.
The first suspect is described as 20-30 years, Caucasian, pale, short light hair, wearing black Nike Shock brand basketball shoes, and True Religion brand blue jeans with white stitching.
The second is described as 20-30 years, wearing a grey hoody, a thick silver chain and a ball cap.
Langley RCMP issued a public warning to would-be bargain hunters to exercise common sense when meeting someone for the first time:
• Insist on a public meeting place like a café,
• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home,
• Be especially careful when buying or selling high value items, • Tell a friend or family member where you are going,
• Take your cell phone with you if you have one,
• Consider having a friend accompany you,
• Trust your instincts.
Anyone with information that might assist police with the Craiglist theft is asked to call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. IF you need to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text BCTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).