Arrest made after series of buy-and-sell thefts, robberies in Kitchener
Posted Jul 4, 2026 06:30:00 AM.
Last Updated Jul 4, 2026 09:40:11 AM.
An arrest has been made stemming from a series of buy-and-sell thefts and robberies in Kitchener in the span of a month.
An 18-year-old Kitchener man was arrested and has been charged with more than 20 offences including seven counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of uttering threats, and robbery with violence.
Between May 22 and June 22, police were notified about nine similar incidents where iPads and iPhones were stolen by a male suspect.
In each case, sellers arranged to meet an online buyer who then took the tech and fled without paying.
One incident occurred on May 28 as a victim posted their iPad for sale and when they met up with the alleged “buyer” at a Westheights Drive plaza, the male took it without paying.
Police say two witnesses tried to intervene but the male suspect pulled out a handgun and continued to flee. No injuries were reported.
On Friday, investigators searched a Kitchener residence where they seized suspected stolen property and an imitation firearm.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service recommends using one of three designated Buy and Sell Exchange Zones to finalize transactions that are arranged online.
