Police have been recommending that Craigslist shoppers make trades and sales in safe places for years. Now they are becoming more proactive by offering safe zones where trades and sales can take place, often times in the parking lots of their own stations. This push for safe shopping has come on the heels of an increased number of high profile robberies and murders connected to online initiated exchanges. The most recent and notable is the case of a 21 year old who was robbed and killed after responding to an ad to buy an iPhone. In another instance a couple was shot and killed after going to a secluded area to buy a car. Still another gruesome crime involving a pregnant lady who was stabbed and her unborn child ripped from her wound has been added to the list of cautionary tales.
While there are many police stations across the U.S. that offer their parking lots and lobbies as safe zones, there are still some which have not publically announced their willingness to participate as Safe Zone providers. Call your local police station and ask if they have a safe zone or if you can use their parking lot for an online transaction. If you are in an area that does not have a designated Safe Zone remember to practice safe transactions.
Safe Transaction Checklist
1. Always meet in a public area either in the daylight or in a well-lit area.
2. Always have someone with you.
3. Keep your cellphone on you.
4. Only bring enough cash for the transaction.
5. Make sure to tell someone Where you will be, Who you will be with, When you will be there, and What you are buying.
Be safe and happy shopping!
