Victim injured during buy-and-sell meetup in downtown Kitchener

A sign at the Buy and Sell Exchange Zone for Waterloo Regional Police. (Source: WRPS)

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a violent robbery in downtown Kitchener.

The victim, who was trying to sell unspecified property, arranged to meet a potential buyer at Joseph Street and Gaukel Street, near Victoria Park, on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said a group of males were waiting at that location.

When the buyer showed them the item, police said “the suspects took it from the victim and hit and assaulted them with an unknown object.”

The buyer had only minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the suspects was described as a Black man, 40 to 50 years old, and approximately 6’0” with black dreadlocks.

The incident was reported to police approximately five hours later.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact WRPS at 519-570-9777.

Tips for buyers and sellers

Waterloo Regional Police say safety should be the priority when buying or selling something to a stranger.

As such, they have set up three designated Buy and Sell Exchange Zones in the parking lots of their detachments.

They can be found at:

• 45 Columbia Street East, Waterloo (North Division)
• 200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge (Headquarters)
• 176 Hespeler Road, Cambridge (South Division)

Police also shared the following tips for any transactions or exchanges:

• Pick a location that is well-lit and public
• Arrange for a meetup during the day (never at night)
• Bring a family member or friend with you
• If alone, let family or friends know who, when and where you’re meeting
• Inspect the item you want to buy before handing over cash
• Don’t share too many personal details
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is