Peel Regional Police investigators are cautioning Brampton residents following a string of robberies in the area of Hansen Road North where suspects brandished a firearm during arranged online transactions. The incidents, first reported in May 2026, involved buyers or sellers meeting strangers they had connected with through online classifieds.
What police say happened
According to the 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), multiple calls were received about robberies in which victims attended pre-arranged transactions facilitated through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. In each reported episode, two to three suspects allegedly confronted the victim and displayed a firearm. While the firearm was brandished, no injuries were reported to the adult victims.
Suspect description and safety advice
Investigators describe the suspects as Black males, aged about 15 to 20, with slim builds and wearing black hoodies and black sweatpants. Police consider the suspects armed and dangerous and are urging anyone who may have information to contact the 22 Division CIB.
- Do not meet strangers at private residences for online marketplace transactions.
- Use the Peel Regional Police Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zones located at all police divisions.
- If you witness suspicious activity, contact police immediately.
"These spaces are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and aim to provide the public with a safe place to meet when conducting transactions with strangers."
Where to report information
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the 22 Division CIB at 905-453-2121, ext. 2233. For media or general inquiries, Peel Police Media Relations can be reached at media.relations@peelpolice.ca or by phone at 905-453-2121, ext. 4027.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Hansen Road North, Brampton |
| When | Since May 2026 |
| Victim profile | Adults attending arranged transactions |
| Suspect description | Black males, 15–20 years, slim, wearing black hoodies and sweatpants |
Police stress the risks associated with meeting strangers to exchange goods and recommend using police-designated exchange locations or other public, well-lit areas with surveillance where possible. The CIB continues to investigate the incidents; residents with dash-cam or doorbell footage of the Hansen Road North area since May are asked to check their recordings and share anything relevant with investigators.
