Glastonbury Police Promoting 'Safe' Parking Spaces For Transactions

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury police are promoting safe parking spaces at their headquarters amid a rash of reports in Connecticut about armed robberies taking place during online marketplace transactions.

"Recently, there have been several armed robberies across the state, many of which have occurred during transactions coordinated through popular exchange sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace," Glastonbury police said. "The Glastonbury Police Department would like to remind everyone of our designated safe exchange parking spots in the north lot of the police department. This area can be used as a meeting point for exchanges involving the transfer of money or goods."

Glastonbury police said anyone who feels apprehensive about meeting another person or someone who just wants to be cautious should use the spaces.

"Request that the person you are meeting join you at the police department," police said. "If they are engaging in illicit or unlawful activities, they will unlikely be willing to meet you, which is a good indication they may be involved in a scam or criminal activity."

Always conduct transactions in a public place and never provide a home address, police said.

The system seems to be working. One resident said she was wary of a seller so she and a relative insisted the exchange take place at the Glastonbury PD. The seller never showed, the resident said.

Another resident said she was trying to acquire a bicycle online. She said she insisted the transaction take place at the police department.

"And that was the end of that," the resident said.

Questions abut the spaces can be asked viol the police at 860-633-8301.