Man Violently Robbed While Selling Ring

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a man was robbed while attempting to sell a gold ring.

Approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday police were dispatched to an address on Willow Road near Applewood Crescent. The victim said he advertised the ring for sale on his social media and was contacted by someone interested in buying it.

Two men attended the lobby of the victim’s apartment. After he handed one man the ring, the other punched him in the face and knocked him down. He was then kicked several times by both men. The victim was cleared by paramedics and refused further treatment.

Both men were described as white, 5’8” and in their mid-20s with slight facial hair. One was wearing a red hoodie and baseball cap and the other was wearing jeans, a denim jacket and sunglasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Justin Garbutt at 519-824-1212, ext. 7596, email jgarbutt@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

Online Purchase Safety Tips

Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers to your home. Suggest a meet-up during the day at a public location, ideally with video surveillance. The Guelph Police Service offers a Buy and Sell Zone outside the station on Fountain Street East.

Have someone come with you to the meet-up. If you can’t have someone come with you, let friends or family know where the meeting is taking place and any details about the buyer or seller.

Take screenshots of the advertisements and any contact information provided by the other party.

If you are the buyer, do not disclose to the seller how you will be paying if it’s not necessary. If the seller is aware you are attending with cash it creates an opportunity for a robbery to take place.

Take note of any vehicles or people associated to the transaction as it is certainly possible that the name they are using online could be false.