Police are asking residents to be cautious when meeting people online after a 66-year-old male was assaulted in his home Tuesday afternoon.
On Tuesday March 13, 2018, about 2:50 p.m., police responded to a robbery call in the Valley Farm and Finch area of Pickering. The male victim reported two males attended his home after arranging a meeting through a web-based service. The suspect males assaulted the victim and left the home with some of his personal property. They were located by police a short time later and arrested.
A 22-year-old male and 24-year-old male are charged with Robbery; Mischief Not Exceeding $5,000 and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. Both also face probation related charges. They were held for bail hearings. The identities of the suspects are being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.
If you meet someone online, police recommend setting up an initial meeting in a public place, and bring a friend with you if possible.
Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Stewart of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1929.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.