Oakland police warn of Craigslist robberies

— Oakland police have issued a warning to city residents following two more robberies over the weekend after responding to cars advertised for sale on Craigslist.

One person was robbed Friday night at gunpoint, while another person was robbed Saturday, police said. Investigators did not say how much money was taken from the victims, or release any additional details.

The latest robberies come after a series of holdups in Oakland last month of people responding to Craigslist ads.

Last week a married couple was robbed of several thousand dollars when they were held up during what they thought was a test drive of a Mercedes-Benz.

The couple, who were not named, were forced out of the car on Interstate 580. They were also robbed of electronic items and other property.

Oakland police also issued a warning earlier in August after several people were robbed after agreeing to meet a person advertising a car or an electronic item for sale on Craigslist.

In one of those robberies one man was held up at gunpoint of $6,500 when he responded to a posting for a car for sale.

There have also been several other recent holdups in Berkeley, Castro Valley and Fremont.

Police recommend that anyone intending to buy from someone off of a Craigslist posting should meet the seller in a public meeting place, such as a cafe. They also warn against meeting in a secluded place, or inviting strangers into your home.

Police also recommend that buyers use a cashier's check or money order instead of cash when making a purchase.

Craigslist, Inc., which is headquartered in San Francisco, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Sunday.

The Associated Press


