Pelham Police Department Now Official Community Trade Zone

PELHAM, AL - With an increasing number of people buying goods from individuals via social media or online marketplaces, safety issues have become a hot topic, as many of these transaction occur between strangers. For that reason, law enforcement in many communities have designated specific "meet up spots" where people can meet to make transactions.

The Pelham Police Department has become one of those locations. The department announced today that buyers and sellers from online and mobile marketplaces can meet in person in a designated area to

complete their transaction. "They can have peace-of-mind knowing we’re providing 24-hour surveillance," the statement from the Pelham PD said.

“Having a designated public space to conduct these types of transactions can help deter criminal
intent and activity,” said Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer. “Our goal is to make sure internet exchanges go
smoothly because we know people can be apprehensive when meeting someone from the internet.” (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Related Story: Online Marketplace Crime Can Be Avoided: Police

Those looking to utilize the Community Meetup Spots/Trade Zone should pull into the parking lot at
police headquarters and look for the street light with the green sign. Directly under that light are two
designated parking spaces, which are striped green. While technology is a great tool, people should still use caution when setting up these in-person meetings, Palmer said. “Use your best judgment, and if something seems off, it’s probably best you go with your gut and call off the meeting,” Palmer advised.

OfferUp provided the signs to the Pelham Police Department, free of charge.

Photo via Pelham PD