A 59-year-old man who posted jewelry for sale online remains in hospital with “life-altering injuries” after he was attacked during a robbery in his Vancouver apartment six months ago.

The victim posted inexpensive items for sale on the personals website Craigslist last November, according to police.

The victim then suffered severe head and facial trauma during a robbery, which happened on Remembrance Day.

Police believe the man was unconscious in his apartment for more than an hour before he was able to go to a neighbour for help.

The suspect fled with jewelry, and his image was caught by a security camera.

It wasn’t clear from the listing that what was posted was “just costume jewelry,” Vancouver Police Const. Brian Montague said Tuesday. “The suspect may have believed he was in possession of expensive pieces.”

It’s not the first time attempts to sell items online have turned tragic.

Lawyer Marc Rozen was shot and killed in his Vancouver apartment in 2004 after posting a diamond ring appraised at $18,000 on Craigslist. In 2013, Michael Newman was sentenced to life in prison for the murder.

Two Ontario men also face murder charges, in the death of Tim Bosma, who was killed in 2013 after posting his truck for sale online. The trial is expected in January.

Const. Montague said last month that Vancouver Police welcome online sellers to meet potential buyers of high-risk items like jewelry in public portions of its Cambie Street detachment such as the lobby or parking lot.

“Obviously the police stations would be a safe place to conduct a transaction like that,” Montague told CTV Vancouver. “It obviously would be a deterrent to someone on Craigslist who’s using it as a criminal tool.”

Craigslist states in its safety section that “the incidence of violent crime is extremely low,” but users should “take some common sense precautions.” Among the website’s tips:

• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.

• Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.

• Consider making high-value exchanges at your local police station.

• Tell a friend or family member where you're going.

• Take your cell phone along if you have one.

• Consider having a friend accompany you.

• Trust your instincts.

The suspect in the Remembrance Day robbery and beating is described as a white male between the ages of 25 and 30 and about 5’9” tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black baseball hat with green brim and yellow DC logo, a dark jacket with a grey hoody underneath, black track pants with thick white stripe down the side and white running shoes with black laces. He was carrying an empty brown bag at the time, according to police.

Vancouver Police ask that anyone with information call them at 604-717 2541, or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.