When selling or buying items online, safety should always be a top priority. Meeting in a police parking lot can provide a secure and neutral location for both parties involved in the transaction.
The Mentor Police Department wanted to help minimize the risks that are sometimes involved with these exchanges, so they designated an area of their parking lot, located at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, as a Safe Exchange Zone. This area is under 24-hour video surveillance and is an ideal location for all types of arrangements, from E-Commerce to even child custody exchanges.
While meeting in the police parking lot will minimize many crimes of opportunity, experts agree that you should always follow some basic safety tips.
- Always arrange the meeting during daylight hours.
- Bring a friend or family member with you for the transaction.
- Only accept CASH or secure online payment methods like PayPal
- Inspect the item and make sure it is what you are expecting.
- …and always keep your phone with you.
Play it safe Mentor.