Police Set Up Safe Place to Hand Off Craigslist Purchases

Image Credit: Annapolis Police Department

The Annapolis Police Department says online shoppers can close their transactions in its lobby or parking lot, where it is safer than an unknown meeting site.

Since some online sites, like Craigslist or online yard sales require some transactions to be conducted in person, Transaction Safe Place will be held in the police department’s parking lot and lobby to enable the public to have a place to meet and to handle their transactions.

Transaction Safe Places are being established at police departments across the country in response to a trend among criminals to target their victims online, the department said in a news release. Many of the crimes are petty thefts or crimes involving counterfeit merchandise, but some criminals have more sinister, terrifying motives.

For example, in one high-profile case this spring, a fetus was cut from the womb of a Colorado woman who went to another woman’s house to buy baby clothing advertised on Craigslist. In another, a Georgia couple werekilled while trying to buy a classic car on Craigslist.

See: ‘Safe Zones’ Spring Up After Craigslist Murders, Other Crimes

Annapolis Police Department announced that it can also help citizens to ensure the transactions do not involve stolen merchandise. To check the item, go to the APD lobby at 199 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, and request to have an officer check the item’s serial number against national databases.

“Transaction Safe Place is yet another way the Annapolis Police Department works to keep our communities safe and secure,” said Chief Michael Pristoop. “Criminals frequently seek out victims online, this program will protect Annapolitans conducting face to face transactions after an online interaction.”

To conduct business at Transaction Safe Place, go to the police department parking lot or lobby, conduct the transaction and leave. Or, go to the APD main entrance and push the call button to talk to a dispatchers. An officer respond to check the item.

Additional safety tips for those conducting a transaction with an unknown buyer include the following:

• Only accept cash or a cashier’s check for sale. Personal checks carry some risk.
• Conduct sales during weekdays so banking or financial institutions can be contacted if there is a problem.
• Don’t go alone and trust your instincts.