Two men arrested, thousands of dollars in stolen items found during call for Airbnb scam
Posted March 31, 2020 2:37 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — A call to investigate an Airbnb scam ended with the arrest of two men and recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen property, according to Victoria police.
According to a statement, officers were called to a building in Victoria on Saturday after a unit owner tipped them off to an Airbnb guest refusing to leave. The guest apparently claimed he had a positive case of COVID-19 and severe symptoms.
Initially, the unit owner let the guest stay for free, but grew suspicious after seeing the guest leave the building.
When the officers found the man, they discovered he did not have the virus or any symptoms. Then when they went into the unit with him so he could get his things, police found another man who had warrants, as well as thousands of dollars worth of stolen property.
Both men were arrested.
The man with warrants was taken to the Saanich department, says the police statement.
The investigation is ongoing. Police will try to return the stolen items to the rightful owners.
Victoria Police has put out a warning of potential scammers taking advantage of Airbnb owners during the pandemic. If someone has information about this incident or another Airbnb COVID-19 scam, they are asked to call the non-emergency line at 1-250-995-7654. To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2220-8477.
