BRITISH COLUMBIA COMPUTER STOLEN  http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101221/bc_craigslist_extortion_101221/20101221?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

Hooker stole client's computer, demanded ransom: cops

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By: Bethany Lindsay, ctvbc.ca

Date: Tuesday Dec. 21, 2010 3:52 PM PT

An early morning rendezvous with a prostitute ended with a stolen computer and an attempted extortion for a B.C. man, police say.

The 26-year-old Victoria resident hired an escort through Craigslist on Monday morning, and after she left, discovered that his computer was missing.

Soon after, he began receiving text messages that appeared to be from the escort, who demanded $2,000 in cash for the return of the computer.

Instead, the alleged victim swallowed his pride and called police.

They advised him to set up a meeting time with the escort. That evening, police watched as he arrived at a gas station to make the hand-off.

A 28-year-old woman was arrested on the spot, and police are recommending charges of extortion and possession of stolen property.

Const. Mike Massine told ctvbc.ca that calling the police was a smart move. "The end result is he did the right thing."

But he added that using a website to arrange a meeting with a stranger isn't always the wisest decision.

"People should really exercise caution and common sense," Massine said, adding that Victoria police have responded to a "handful" of similar cases in recent years.