A MAN who was robbed by two men in Wickford believed he was set up via an internet site that connects Blackberry Messenger users.
The victim, from Croydon, was contacted by a woman via the BBPins.com site and had been speaking to her for five to six days prior to arranging to meet her in Wickford last Friday at around 2pm. The woman told him to contact her by Blackberry Messenger when he arrived at Wickford Station, which he did.
She directed him to a housing estate in Birch Green when he was approached by two men, one of whom had a knife and demanded him to hand over his Blackberry phone. They also stole his iPhone, jacket and jumper.
They gave him the impression he had been set up by the woman.
DS Julie Gowen from Basildon CID said: "I want to send a warning to other BBPins site users about this nasty trick and warn people not to agree to meet someone you don't know, unless it is in a very public place.
"Secondly I want to hear from anyone who can help identify the men who committed the robbery. One of them is described as 18-22 years old, white, about 5ft 7-8", athletic build, wearing a dark coat with the hood up and jeans. He held the knife."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives at Basildon CID on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.