As the holiday rush gets underway and online buying and selling picks up, Fort Worth police are urging residents to stay alert when meeting strangers to complete a sale.
The warning follows two armed robberies that took place on October 19 in the 2100 to 2300 block of Southcrest Drive, where three victims were targeted during prearranged online transactions.
Investigators learned the individuals involved were using multiple online accounts under false names, creating the illusion of legitimate buyers and sellers. Officers later recovered stolen property and several weapons, including handguns and rifles, after two suspects were arrested on October 28 with the help of the FWPD Fugitive Unit, US Marshals, and Directed Response Units. A third suspect has not yet been identified.
While arrests have been made, police say the larger lesson is about prevention. Online marketplaces make it easy to score a deal or offload an item, but they also come with risks when meet-ups take place in private or unfamiliar locations. With holiday shopping at its peak, residents are encouraged to take simple steps that reduce danger.
Choose well-lit, public areas for exchanges. Many police departments, including Fort Worth, offer designated Safe Exchange Zones with cameras and regular patrols. Bring another person along, avoid late-night meet-ups, and trust your instincts if a situation feels off. When possible, finalize sales inside a business or near a place with steady foot traffic.
Safety is easier to protect when it is planned for. A few extra precautions can turn a risky meet-up into a smooth, stress-free part of the holiday season.
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