Calgary police have charged a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old in connection with a string of iPhone robberies in the Braeside neighbourhood, located 20 minutes southwest of City Hall.
According to police, the incidents began last month when a woman posted an online ad to sell her iPhone. On January 24, she arranged to meet a buyer near the 11000 block of Braniff Road S.W. When she arrived, two young males stole her phone and sprayed her with bear spray before running away.
Two more similar incidents were reported over the next two days, where victims who had arranged to sell iPhones were also robbed and sprayed with bear spray in the same area. Police didn’t specify what the iPhone models were.
The Calgary Police Robbery Unit launched an investigation and executed a search warrant on February 6 at a home in Braeside. Officers seized five cellphones, three cans of bear spray, a pellet gun, clothing suspected to have been used in the crimes, and over $22,000 worth of alleged stolen new clothing.
As a result, a 12-year-old was charged with three counts of robbery, two counts of possessing a dangerous weapon, and two counts of failing to comply with conditions. The 16-year-old was charged with three counts of robbery and one count of possessing a dangerous weapon.
Both youths are scheduled to appear in court on February 28. Their names cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
If you’re going to sell something expensive online, it’s always best to meet during the day in a public area, even the lobby of a police station, to stay safe. Getting bear sprayed and being robbed at the same time sounds like a horrible experience. It’s stories like these why people don’t bother with online classifieds and just trade in their iPhones, even if it means getting a lower value.
Calgary police say their Youth Services Section has offered support and resources to the accused. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234.
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At 12 years old, already well on its way to become a career criminal. Parents must be proud, they did a great job.