South Brunswick Resident Has iPhone Stolen In Online Sale

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A South Brunswick resident had their iPhone stolen from them after they arranged to sell it on the app "Letgo," and then met the buyer-turned-thief in a parking lot off Rt. 1, police said.

South Brunswick police say they located the suspect, recovered the stolen phone and charged the man with theft. But they also remind residents that the best place to do online sales is in the lobby of South Brunswick police headquarters, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction.

The incident began on Nov. 25, when the victim listed an iPhone for sale on "Letgo." They were then contacted by the suspect, who showed interest in buying the phone. The two arranged to meet in the parking lot of a business on Rt. 1 at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.

The suspect arrived on foot, and after discussing terms, the suspect asked to see the phone, so he could make sure it was working properly.

After being handed the phone and checking it, the suspect fled on foot with the iPhone.

The victim then reported the theft to police, and, after an investigation by Detective Brady Shelcusky, the suspect was identified and charged with the theft. The phone was recovered.

The Safe Exchange Zone in front of police headquarters is available for anyone buying or selling items through an online site or app. Some additional safety suggestions include:

• Be careful if you receive messages from someone who is not local to your area, especially if they claim to be overseas.
• If not using the Police Department’s Safe Exchange Zone, plan to meet in a busy, public place, like a cafe or bank lobby, and meet during the day.
• Bring a friend with you, especially if the item you’ve arranged to purchase or sell is high in value.
• Only accept cash.
• Trust your gut if anything raises a red flag, such as if someone insists you come alone, changes the meeting place at the last minute, or refuses to meet in a public space.