Detectives secure charges after investigation into Facebook Marketplace robberies

Detectives from Manchester Central Criminal Investigation Team have secured charges after a series of reported robberies linked with ads claiming to be selling bikes on Facebook Marketplace.

Two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have all been charged with three robberies and one attempted robbery.

They will both appear at Manchester Magistrates court today (Monday 27 January 2025).

The charges come after an investigation which was launched by GMP’s Manchester Central Criminal Investigation Department investigating reports of three separate incidents in the South Manchester area between Friday 20 December 2024 and Tuesday 21 January 2025, where members of the public had arranged to meet up with online sellers claiming to have a bicycle for sale.

On each of these occasions, the victims reported being assaulted and one of the victims received serious injuries requiring hospital.

Sergeant Jonathan Lobley from our Longsight Neighbourhood Crime team said, “We are making progress in our investigation following the reports last week, we continue to  encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witnessed something similar, or knows of anyone putting up fake ads online with the purpose of committing offences against innocent members of the public, to contact us on 101 so we can act.”