DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Broward sheriff's deputies have arrested two men in recent weeks for selling stolen merchandise on the OfferUp app, authorities said.
Deputies said Orlando Suarez Perez was arrested Friday for selling a stolen John Deere lawn mower.
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Authorities said the mower had been taken a few days earlier from the carport of a Dania Beach home and was listed on the app before the owner could even file a police report.
A detective met up with Suarez Perez to purchase the lawn mower at a McDonald's at 5530 S. State Road 7 in Hollywood, where the suspect was arrested, authorities said.
The victim told detectives that he knew the lawn mower was his based on distinctive markings he had documented.
Suarez Perez faces six charges, including grand theft, possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license.
He has since been released on bail.
Another man, Shawn Primus, was arrested June 14 for stealing a personal watercraft, authorities said.
Deputies said Primus stole a Sea-Doo GTX and posted it for sale on OfferUp.
Detectives set up an undercover sting and Primus was arrested.
He faces charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Primus has since bonded out of jail.
Below are some tips from the BSO to avoid becoming a victim of theft and for what to do if you do become a victim:
Buy & sell safely
Use the parking lot of a law enforcement agency. Trades and purchases can be made in Broward Sheriff's Office district lobbies and parking lots. BSO deputies will not facilitate sales. However, let BSO staff know you're using the grounds for a safe-zone exchange.
Protect your property
· Photograph and document your valuable belongings
· Record the serial numbers
· Add or note distinctive markings or colors
· Secure your belongings at all times
How to recover your property
· Immediately report the theft
· Check online marketplaces and pawn shops. Some popular online shops are OfferUp, eBay and Craigslist
· Rely on law enforcement. If you see your stolen belonging online, contact BSO or your local police agency to let them safely recover the item.