Detectives investigating several vehicle thefts in the Gympie and Sunshine Coast areas have released CCTV vision of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries.
At approximately 3pm on October 14, a Subaru WRX was stolen from a Southside address in Gympie during a test drive through a social media advertisement. It was located along Gympie Connection Road in Gympie a few hours later.
Similar instances occurred at other addresses in Gympie on October 15 and October 20, as well as an address in Buderim on November 3 and an address in Birtinya on November 8.
Investigations indicate that a man is using fake Facebook profiles to respond to advertisements, and then meets the seller, takes the vehicle for a test drive and doesn't return.
Anyone who recognises the men or has any information that may assist police with their investigation is urged to contact police. Police are also appealing for anyone with a similar experience to contact police.
If you are buying or selling items online, please consider the following:
• Follow online safety advice from sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre regarding how to safely purchase/sell online
• Look into the buyer/seller before meeting up. Social media pages that have recently been created or only have a few followers may be indications that they're fake
• Look out for pages where the conversation is one-way by the page owner, with little or no engagement from the page's community
• Check online shopping sites for secure methods of payment. Never pay by money order, pre-loaded money cards or wire transfer
• Do not accept screenshots as proof of payment
• Where possible, avoid meeting buyers at your home or allowing them entry to your home.
• Don't meet up with strangers at night or in secluded or private locations. Your personal safety is your priority when arranging to meet up. Consider meeting in a public area during day light hours where there is CCTV and people around. For example, a cafe or a shopping centre.
• Bring a family member or friend with you, this increases your safety and provides a potential witness if needed.
• Consider your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the sale or purchase, cancel the meeting.
• Record details of the person you are meeting including name, email address, phone number and registration numbers.
• If possible, make sure to thoroughly inspect or test the item before buying it
• Know what items and actions are allowed on the site – most sites don't allow the sale of counterfeit, illegal or stolen items.
• Remember if the advertised price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Report a person or item directly to the online site through the 'report ad or item' function; and
• Report a crime and/or illegal activity directly to the Queensland Police Service. Further information is available from Scamwatch and take a moment to check R U in control.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
