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Police warning as violent gang lures victims through Gumtree

Police are warning Gumtree customers to be careful of a violent gang of men posing as sellers in Queensland.

On Saturday night, three men arranged a meeting in response to an advertisement on the website for the sale of a mobile phone in the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point at about 8.40pm.

However, while the men were met by four males who went through with an exchange of money, the encounter turned violent.

The three men were allegedly assault by the males, who were armed with sticks. One of the male offenders threatened one of the men with a knife and demanded additional money which the victim handed over, police say.

One incident happened on Pearson Street in Kangaroo Point. Source: Google Maps
One incident happened on Pearson Street in Kangaroo Point. Source: Google Maps

The victims then ran to a taxi and locked themselves inside whilst the alleged male offenders damaged the taxi with the sticks.

They then fled the scene with a sum of cash.

Police said a similar robbery incident occurred just hours later at about 10pm in the Brisbane suburb of Coopers Plains.

In this instance, police allege the male victim attended a meeting in response to an advertisement on the site for the sale of a mobile phone.

The victim was met by two men and a conversation was had during which the victim requested to sight identification and a receipt.

However, instead he was allegedly assaulted by the two men along with a third male offender. The three offenders punched the victim to the face and assaulted him with a stick.

The offenders demanded the victim hand over his personal property, which he did.

Police are warning Gumtree users to be vigilant when using the site.
Police are warning Gumtree users to be vigilant when using the site.

The three offenders fled the scene with a sum of cash, a mobile phone and other personal property belonging to the victim.

All victims received cuts and bruising to different parts of their bodies.

Police say they believe the two incidents are linked and investigations are continuing.

They're urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.