HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating a stretch of armed robberies linked to an online marketplace app, called OfferUp.
"Our biggest concern is that somebody could get hurt," said Detective Norman Wallace of the Houston Police Department's robbery division.
Wallace said his division is currently investigating five cases. Each Incident occurred in southwest Houston over the past month. In each case, both parties would agree to a meeting location, usually a private space.
"People are being instructed to go to a place where the suspects feel comfortable doing these robberies," Wallace said.
Police suggest meeting in a public venue to exchange money. Wallace said a police department or a fire station would be even better.
KPRC2 reached out to OfferUp users. Many of them said they generally feel safe during their interactions. One user, who asked that his identity be concealed, said he always recommends meeting buyers in public spaces.
Jared Ray said he regularly uses OfferUp to buy and sell items.
"If it's something I'm not going to keep, something I have extra," Ray said.
"I see lots of stuff on there," he continued.
Ray echoed other users' sentiment that he feels safe during his interactions. Still, he said he would keep the warning from Houston police in mind the next time he meets someone to sell an item.
"I've gone into other parts of town and never had any problems whatsoever," Ray said.