Dorchester resident Tyrone Snead, 43, was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to sell stolen skis he found listed on Facebook Marketplace, police said.
Stolen Skis Lead to Arrest, Reminder About Safe Online Exchanges
Boston police are urging residents to utilize “Safe Exchange Zones” within police stations after a recent arrest stemming from an online sale.
- Snead is facing charges of receiving stolen property valued over $1,200 and had an existing warrant for drug possession.
- The victim identified his stolen skis on Facebook Marketplace and contacted police.
- Boston Police Department offers designated “Safe Exchange Zones” at all station locations.
- These zones provide a secure, monitored environment for completing online transactions.
The incident unfolded after the victim of a prior theft reported his skis missing to the Boston Police Department. He then discovered a listing for his skis on Facebook Marketplace and immediately contacted police with the information, according to a press release. A follow-up call just before 6 p.m. Thursday provided updated details to investigators.
Officers arranged to meet with Snead initially near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Washington Street in the South End. The meeting location was later changed to the lobby of 155 Northampton St., police said. Upon arriving at the location, officers observed the skis leaning against a fence. They confirmed with Snead that the asking price matched the Facebook listing before identifying themselves as Boston Police and placing him under arrest. The skis were subsequently returned to their owner.
In addition to the charge of receiving stolen property, Snead was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Roxbury District Court related to a drug possession charge.
The Boston Police Department is reminding the public about the availability of “Safe Exchange Zones” at all of its stations throughout the city. These zones are accessible 24 hours a day and are monitored by security video, offering a safer alternative to meeting strangers in public places. A complete list of BPD station locations with these safe zones can be found on the department’s website.
