Police Work To Make Online Exchanges Safer For North Texans

DALLAS, TX — For many, holiday shopping is well underway. Buying and trading through online sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be appealing to shoppers looking for a bargain, especially around Christmastime, but it also comes with certain risks. That's why police departments across North Texas have designated "Safe Exchange Zones."

The exchange zones are in or near police stations and allow the buyer and seller to meet in a safe, mutual location to make the deal. Some stations have designated areas in the parking lot specifically for buying and selling, while others recommend those doing business meet in the lobby of the station.

Patch spoke with Sergeant Vanessa Harrison of the Arlington Police Department about the importance of safe zones. She said the department has had success with the safe zones, but she hopes to educate even more people about online buying-and-selling safety.

"We have seen robberies and people become victims of... bait and switch. December of last year we had a murder that took place where a woman was to meet a male at Target. The male instead did not respond, but he watched her the entire time."

She said two suspects followed the woman in an attempt to rob her, but she was killed in the process. She said one suspect was arrested and charged with murder, but another is still at large.

As frightening as it is to know a murder suspect is still at large, potential buyers and sellers can avoid the danger by arranging meetings in the safe zones. Harrison said Arlington police recommend the meetings take place in the lobby of the station where a front desk officer is available 24 hours a day.

"We view it as a success and encourage people to take advantage of it," she said.

Although not every police station has a designated exchange zone, almost every department allows buyers and sellers to meet in the lobby. Call your local police department to find out about its exchange policies or to learn more about online buying-and-selling safety.

Image via Arlington Police Department