Motorcycle Stolen At Gunpoint In Facebook Marketplace Sale: Batavia Police

BATAVIA, IL — A black and yellow motorcycle was stolen at gunpoint during a Facebook Marketplace pickup April 26 in the 300 block of Orion Road, Batavia police said.

The victim was selling the Kawasaki motorcycle in a planned sales transaction at about 7:10 p.m. when three men in a black sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Cruze, pulled up to the residence armed with a handgun and stole the bike, officials said.

One man had a reck neck tattoo, and another had a black neck tattoo, police said. The motorcycle carried an Illinois license plate, MCYGM703.

Batavia police are investigating the incident as an aggravated vehicular hijacking. Officers are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 630-454-2500.

Following the hijacking, police shared the following best practices for residents making sales through online marketplaces:

• Meet in a public, well‐lit location equipped with cameras.
• Utilize designated "Safe Exchange Zones" offered by many police departments, such as the one at the Batavia Police Department.
• Avoid completing transactions at your home whenever possible.
• Bring a friend or family member with you to the meeting.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels suspicious or unsafe, do not proceed.
• Do not allow buyers to test‐drive or inspect vehicles without proper identification and verification.