La Mesa Police Launch Safe Transaction Zone

LA MESA, CA – People conducting e-commerce transactions in La Mesa now have a safe public meeting place.

In an effort to enhance public safety, the La Mesa Police Department has designated two parking stalls at its University Avenue headquarters as an online-sales "transaction zone," department officials said.

"The popularity of selling goods using the internet has substantially increased over the last decade, which has also increased criminal activity during the sale of these items," La Mesa Police Lt. Chad Bell said.

The meeting area is on the east side of the department's parking lot. The stalls are marked by a sign and orange lines on the pavement.

Although people may trade in the parking lot, police personnel will not be monitoring or assisting the public with their dealings at the site, the lieutenant advised. The department will also not be responsible for what transpires during the transactions.

"This is simply a way for La Mesa citizens to conduct transactions in well-lit and public location," he said.

City News Service contributed to this report. Image via Shutterstock.