Calgary, AB,
14
January
2026
|
14:32
America/Denver

Two youth charged in Facebook Marketplace robberies

We have charged two youth in connection to two robberies that stemmed from Facebook Marketplace transactions.  

On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, a man arranged to sell an Apple iPhone to a buyer he met on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer agreed to meet at the man’s residence in the northwest community of Ambleton. When two unidentified males arrived, they pushed the victim to the ground and fled with the iPhone.

A similar incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, when a man arranged to sell a laptop to a buyer he met on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer agreed to meet at the man’s residence in the southeast community of Dover. Two unidentified males attended the residence and began inspecting the laptop. Without provocation, the males deployed bear spray at the victim and attempted to steal the laptop. An altercation ensued, which resulted in the victim being assaulted, and the males fled the scene.

Investigators collected evidence from both scenes, including CCTV footage, and determined that the same two males were involved in both incidents. In December 2025, investigators identified the suspects and worked to locate them.

A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of robbery and one count of disguise with intent. He will next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.

A 16-year-old male has been charged with two counts of robbery. He will next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

The youths cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Safety tips for online sales

The CPS encourages Calgarians to follow these tips to protect themselves when selling items through online classified websites:

  • Meet in a safe, public place. If possible, arrange to meet a police station as a secure option. The Calgary Police Service has marked buy-and-sell zones at each District Office for these transactions.
  • Check the buyer’s profile for red flags, such as personal photos, very few friends or minimal activity.
  • Verify contact information by asking for a phone number and making a direct phone call to ensure the number is legitimate.
  • Use e-transfer rather than cash, as this discourages thieves who rely on quick cash transactions.
  • Trust your instincts, if something feels off, you are under no obligation to proceed with the sale until payment has been made.
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Case #CA25531246/5049 & CA25478805/5049