Crime & Safety

Safely Meet Strangers From The Internet At Westfield Police HQ

The Westfield Police Department Headquarters is now an "Internet Purchase Exchange Location."

WESTFIELD, NJ - Those who have made arrangements to purchase items from strangers on the internet will now have safe space to make those exchanges, courtesy of the Westfield Police Department.

According to authorities, the public is welcome to conduct in-person internet transactions outside the main entrance to the Westfield Police Headquarters or inside the Westfield Police Department lobby.

"We continue to serve and protect the community by offering a safe, well-lit, recorded area for internet purchases thereby protecting both the seller and buyer" Chief Christopher Battiloro said.

Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here are some safety tips for in-person internet transactions, according to the Westfield Police:

  • Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
  • Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
  • Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
  • Take your cell phone along.
  • Consider having a friend accompany you.
  • Trust your instincts.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your
local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.