Couple sentenced for home-invasion robbery

A couple in Xiamen, Fujian province, have been sentenced to prison for attempted robbery after they used an online second-hand goods trading platform as a disguise to target their victim.

The couple, surnamed Wang and Zhang, were overwhelmed by debt and decided to rob someone to repay their debts. They selected a woman surnamed Li, who was selling some second-hand furniture on the platform.

The couple contacted Li and arranged to meet her at her residence to check the furniture. When they arrived, they were armed with a sledgehammer and a knife. They struck Li and her mother on the head, but the victims were able to cry for help and Li's father came to their rescue. The couple fled the scene empty-handed.

The couple later turned themselves in to the police and confessed to the crime. They were sentenced to five years and four years in prison, respectively, and fined.

The Haicang District People's Court of Xiamen reminded online second-hand trading platform users to avoid trading in their own residences and to choose public areas instead. Users should also verify the information put forward on the platform carefully before making a purchase.

This case is a reminder of the dangers of online transactions. It is important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to protect yourself. If you are selling or buying something online, it is best to meet in a public place and to bring someone with you. You should also be wary of anyone who asks to meet you at your home.