Hamilton police charge two teen boys after phone robbery in Dundas

Hamilton police charged two teen boys Monday following a robbery in Dundas linked to an online marketplace transaction earlier this month.

Officers say at around 5:15 p.m. on April 11, the female victim arranged to sell an iPhone through Facebook Marketplace to a person going by the name “Malakai McCollin” at a local gas station.

Once the victim arrived at the meeting place, they were allegedly approached by two male youths, who took the phone from her hands and fled the area in a waiting vehicle.

Investigators say they identified the two boys Monday and arrested a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, who are both from Hamilton.

Police have charged the teens each for theft under $5,000.

Officers report that there have been 33 marketplace-related occurrences so far this year.

They are reminding residents to take precautions when using online marketplaces and transactions, including: meeting at a well-lit, public location, informing a friend or family member about the transaction and being mindful and reviewing listings if they seem too good to be true.

Anyone with information on this or other marketplace incidents are asked to contact police.

READ MORE: Stolen pickup truck found engulfed in flames on train tracks: Hamilton police