Cinnaminson Police Create Area To Finish Transactions That Begin Online

Cinnaminson, NJ -- Cinnaminson Police have established an Internet Purchase Safe Exchange Zone, Director Michael P. King announced.

He credit Sergeant Kevin Bohn for his initiative in bring the concept to completion.

“In today's day and age, more and more people are conducting transactions online,” King said. “Online classified ads and community yard sale sites on social media allow more people to buy and sell items without meeting until the actual transaction is made. Unfortunately, criminals have used these online services as a way to attract their victim to a specific location so that they can commit their crime. Often times when the incident is reported to Police, very little information is known about the actor.”

This is where the Internet Purchase Exchange Zone comes into play.

There are two parking spaces in the Cinnaminson Police Department parking lot at 900 Manor Road that are designated as the Safe Exchange Zone.

The designated parking spaces are clearly marked by signs and outlined in high visibility paint. Photos of the spaces, provided by the Cinnaminson Police Department, are attached to this post.

The Safe Exchange Zone is under video surveillance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Vehicles are to pull in the parking space, nose in only, to conduct the transaction.

Officers will not participate in transactions, act as witnesses, or offer legal advice. However, if a crime is committed, there will be video evidence which should aid in identifying the suspect and prosecuting the case.
Police also remind consumers to use common sense when making online purchases.

“If something appears too good to be true, it probably is,” police said. “It is recommended that transactions in the Safe Exchange Zone should be conducted Monday through Friday during regular business hours whenever possible. If the transaction can not be conducted during regular business hours, all attempts should be made to conduct the transaction during daylight hours to provide the best video quality. Late night transactions should be avoided."