The Syracuse Police Department would like to again remind citizens using these apps to be aware of their surroundings and use caution when meeting with prospective buyers.
The Syracuse Police Department has made an arrest after “LetGo” armed robberies. On December 1, 2018 the Syracuse Police Department began investigating a series of armed robberies that occurred in the 800 block of N. Alvord St. or 100 block of Isabella St. In each of the robberies, the victims attempted to sell their personal property using online websites, such as “LetGo” and OfferUp”. When the victims would meet with the person who was going to purchase their property at the agreed upon location, they were met by an armed suspect, who brandished a handgun and robbed them. No serious injuries were reported in any of these incidents.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance of the Special Investigations Division conducted an extensive investigation, and were able to identify Tito Bynum, 32 years of age, of Syracuse as the suspect who committed five of these reported robberies.
On January 1, 2019, Det. Timothy Martins arrested and charged Bynum with Robbery 1st (5 counts) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (5 counts), and was subsequently lodged in the Onondaga County Justice Center. At the time of his arrest, Bynum also had an outstanding warrant for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th.
After these robberies began the Syracuse Police Department issued a warning to the public, warning citizens to use caution when using websites, such as these. This particular series of robberies did stop for a short time after that public warning, but started again in the same area. The Syracuse Police Department would like to again remind citizens using these apps to be aware of their surroundings and use caution when meeting with prospective buyers. It is also suggested that the meetings be scheduled in well-lit, public places to try to minimize the possibility of a theft.