'Transaction Safe Place' Gets Warm Reception in Woodstock

While it’s only been three days since the Woodstock Police Department announced the launch of Transaction Safe Place, the initiative is already picking up steam in the community.

Police Chief Calvin Moss said a number of people have called the police department’s offices on Highway 92 to inquire about the program. Additionally, four people have already called to schedule transactions, Moss stated.

Transaction Safe Place was launched following an armed robbery attempt that occurred late last month at Kroger on Towne Lake Parkway. Jose Diaz-Gutierrez, 17, of Forest Park was arrested and charged by Woodstock detectives with armed robbery after he tried to rob two men selling a Ford Mustang on Craigslist.

RELATED: Teen Tried To Rob Residents Selling Car on Craigslist

Transaction Safe Place allows the public to utilize the police department to close online transactions in a safe manner. Residents can meet in the department’s lobby or on the premises at 12453 Highway 92 to handle transactions.

Officers will also be available any time to “stand by” in an effort to increase a seller or buyer’s sense of security, the agency said in a press release.

“It is our desire to deter those who would prey upon our citizens by moving these transactions from possibly secluded areas to a public area where law enforcement officers would be present,” Moss added.

Woodstock police also said it’s ”committed to ensuring the transactions are free of stolen merchandise” by offering to check an item’s serial number against both state and national databases to ensure they have not been reported stolen.

Buyers or sellers can contact the Woodstock Police Department at (770) 592-6030 (and press option 7) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to set up an meeting time. Officers will also be available after hours for residents who were unable to schedule a time with the front office.

After hours, citizens can contact the Cherokee County Emergency Dispatch Center at 678-493-4080 and request the assistance of an officer at the department.