Chief Dyer urging caution to people planning to sell their iPhones

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- In delivering the latest statistics on Fresno's crime rate Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer noted one number that is likely to go up--cell phone thefts.

"We generally know what happens when a new iPhone are released people have a tendency to go out and sell their old iPhones," said Dyer.

And, if they list them on Craigslist or other online sale sites, the prospective buyer may turn out to be a thief.

"One of the trends we've seen in this crime view period is three social media robberies where people were trying to sell their cell phones and we just had another last night--making it four," said Phil Cooley, Fresno Police Captain.

Police say when selling a cell phone, or any other valuable item, it is best to meet at exchange zones, equipped with video cameras and located at each of the police substations.

"With the new iPhones we encourage people to use the exchange zones so these people will not become victims," said Dyer.

In other crime issues, police are asking for the public's help in catching this thief and an accomplice who robbed two people at ATM's late last month.

Overall, robberies, assaults, and rapes are down, and police have managed to catch many of the city's most wanted. But the most serious crime, murder appears to be on the rise.

"That's 41 murders a year to date compared to 24 at this time last year, however, the good news is we haven't had a murder in Fresno since August 5th," said Dyer.

Chief Dyer credits police work and community involvement with the lull in killings.