Community of Braeside shaken by series of iPhone robberies — with 2 boys charged

The southwest community of Braeside has been shaken by a series of robberies that occurred during in-person meetings to sell iPhones — with two boys accused of being responsible.

Calgary police say last month, on three separate occasions, people posted online to sell their iPhones. But when they went to Braeside to meet interested buyers, two young boys allegedly stole the phones, sprayed the sellers with bear spray and ran away.

Upon investigation, police searched a residence in Braeside and seized several items, including five cellphones, a pellet gun and more than $22,000 worth of clothing that police believe was stolen.

Two boys — a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old — have been charged by the Calgary Police Service.

The 12-year-old was charged with three counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon and two counts of failure to comply. The 16-year-old was charged with three counts of robbery and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon.

According to CPS, the youths are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28 and have been offered supports and resources from the service's youth services section.

"It was a really impactful thing in Braeside for what is generally a really safe community," said Jenny Mae Smith, president of the Braeside Community Association.

She said she was heartbroken to learn that such young boys are accused of being responsible for crimes that have brought a sense of fear to the community. Many residents learned about the thefts through online community groups before the boys were charged, she said.

"It is just the reality of what's out there right now," she said. "We're hopeful that these youth can get the help that they need and support to get back on track."

Smith said she's doubling down on getting relevant information out to Braeside residents.

Safe exchange zones

In Richmond, B.C., a rise in similar crimes is what drove the RCMP to establish a "safe exchange zone" early last year.

Located in the RCMP detachment's lobby, the area is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was initially open only on weekends, but the hours were extended last November due to demand.

"It's just a way for us to reduce risk to the public and provide them a safe area for them to make those transactions," said Cpl. Sonny Virk, who leads the project.

Virk said the safe exchange zone is well-lit and has CCTV and plenty of signage. While the area itself isn't staffed, there is staff on site and easily accessible if anyone needs help.

"If someone doesn't want to meet you in a safe exchange zone or is less likely to come to a police station to facilitate that transaction, they probably have some sort of ulterior motive. And if they're not OK with meeting at the police station, then there should be a risk assessment or something to consider regarding the validity of that sale," said Virk.

In Alberta, safe exchange zones have been established in a number of municipalities, including St. Albert, High River and Cochrane. They're typically run by the RCMP.

While Calgary doesn't have official exchange zones like this, CPS encourages people to choose public places for online marketplace exchanges — including CPS district office parking lots.

CPS also recommends that people bring a friend to the exchange, verify the identity of the person you're meeting, avoid sharing personal information, use traceable payment methods in case of disputes and trust your instincts.