Police warn against buying gaming systems online after violent robberies

Toronto Police are warning people against buying gaming systems online after “numerous” robberies, including violent ones, were reported.

The newly-released PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are both sold out at retailers across the city. Some buyers are looking to resell the coveted consoles, albeit at wildly inflated prices.

The PS5 retails for $629.99, the Series X for $599.99. Average resale prices in the GTA hover around $1,000 and $800, respectively.

Police say they have received “numerous reports of robberies” involving people “selling game systems online.”

Weapons and violence were used in some of the robberies, they say.

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT:
City of Toronto
– People are selling game systems online
– We have had numerous reports of robberies
– Some robberies are with weapons/violence
* Sellers advised to choose meeting areas carefully *
* Let someone know where you’re meeting *#GO2174796
^dh

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) November 17, 2020

Toronto Police advised those selling the systems to let someone know where they’re meeting a prospective buyer and carefully choose the location.

Video games are played by 65% of Canadians. As people continue to spend time indoors due to COVID-19, they’re gaining popularity across the world.