The suspect uses a female profile on Facebook, contacts individuals who are generally selling higher end, newer vehicles and arranges to meet the seller in a public parking lot

VANCOUVER – Between Aug. 1-19, the Vancouver Police Department has taken four vehicle theft reports with similar circumstances. 

The suspect uses a female profile on Facebook, contacts individuals who are generally selling higher end, newer vehicles on Facebook marketplace and arranges to meet the seller in a public parking lot. Prior to the meeting, the suspect contacts the seller advising them they are sending their husband to look at the vehicle. The suspect meets with the seller in person and requests to test drive the vehicle and once he obtains the keys from the seller, and before the seller can get in the car, the suspect jumps in and drives off. 

The suspect is described as a black male, early to mid-20s, thin build (approximately 150 pounds), 5-foot-8 with short dreadlocks or shoulder length hair. 

The Vancouver Police Department Property Crimes Unit is investigating these incidents. 

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Tip Line at (360) 487-7399. 

The Vancouver Police Department encourages anyone selling a vehicle via an online post to consider these safety strategies:

• Meet in a well populated location that preferably has video surveillance, such as a Vancouver Police Safe Exchange Zone. 
• Don’t go alone. Bring another adult with you.
• Never hand over the keys or allow a solo test drive.
• If something feels suspicious, such as a last-minute change to the meeting location or person, don’t continue with the meeting. 
• If during the meeting you feel uncomfortable, end the sale and leave. 

 Information provided by Vancouver Police Department.