‘Consider the risks’: Victoria Police takes bold steps to tackle violent encounters on Facebook with new ‘swap zones’

Police have activated these zones after reporting an alarming increase in the number of robberies, thefts and robberies related to trading platforms.

The increase in violent encounters in the market peaked in 2020, before pandemic restrictions were introduced, with police noting that smartphones were the most common high-value item stolen.

Earlier this year, detectives arrested a couple who allegedly ran an elaborate scam, defrauding an unsuspecting woman.

Police say a man and a woman set up a meeting with an unsuspecting seller on Facebook last month.

A woman was selling a high-end designer handbag worth thousands of dollars online.

Officers were informed that during the meeting, while a female “shopper” was checking a bag, a man suddenly approached and attacked the woman checking the item, then stole the bag and fled.

The police claim that the buyer and the man knew each other and the robbery was faked.

The pair then allegedly sold the bag and split the profits.

Chief Constable Tim Tully said the use of online marketplaces had increased in popularity and police were determined to be at the forefront to “ensure that the emerging topic of crime does not become a lasting trend”.

“While these sites are a safer alternative to meeting someone at home or in a dimly lit area without CCTV, we still encourage people to consider the risk of meeting someone they have never met before,” Commander Tully said.

“Police suggest, if possible, meet during daylight hours and take someone with you to the exchange.”

The launch of these data sharing platforms follows a successful trial that began in mid-2022 at selected 24/7 police stations in Melbourne’s north-east.

During the six-month trial, police noticed that people were regularly exchanging working hours and there had been a reduction in thefts and robberies related to online sales in these areas.