Police have issued a stark warning to online sellers after a Facebook Marketplace viewing in Telford escalated into a terrifying knife-point robbery.
Details of the Telford Robbery
The incident occurred at a property in the Redhill area of Telford at approximately 7.40pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A victim had arranged to meet a potential buyer for a laptop advertised on the popular social media marketplace.
Upon arrival, the so-called 'buyer' – described as a white male in his late teens or early twenties – threatened the victim with a knife and stole the laptop. The offender then fled the scene in a vehicle. Fortunately, the victim was not physically injured during the ordeal.
Police Appeal for Information
West Mercia Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Detective Sergeant Lauren Willians is leading the enquiry and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The suspect is described as:
- Around 5 feet 8 inches tall.
- Has stubble and acne scars.
- Was wearing a black parka coat, black hoodie, and black trousers.
- Spoke with a Midlands accent.
Authorities believe the Facebook profile used to arrange the meeting was fake. DS Willians also wants to hear from anyone who may have been a victim of a similar crime in the area or experienced suspicious behaviour from a potential buyer, even if no theft occurred.
Essential Safety Advice for Online Sellers
While emphasising that the fault always lies with the criminals, West Mercia Police have issued crucial safety guidance for those selling items online:
- Arrange to meet during daylight hours whenever possible.
- Choose a public place for the exchange, such as a police station car park or a busy café, rather than your home address.
- Take someone else with you to the meeting.
- Trust your instincts and be wary of profiles that seem new or lack information.
"We know how handy the site is to sell unwanted items," said DS Willians, "but we urge people to be cautious. These crimes can have a lasting impact on victims."
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police directly by emailing telfordcid@westmercia.police.uk.
