The Rochester Police Department has announced its new initiative to protect residents who want to sell or buy items in online marketplaces such as Craigslist by becoming a safe spot for such transactions to occur.
Rochester has joined a growing number of other police forces around the country in offering specific locations at the police station as a safe haven for meeting with buyers and sellers to complete their transactions.
Rochester Police Sergeant Robert Small said that as of October 5, the Rochester Police Station parking lot and front entrance lobby would be an official online safety zone.
“Obviously, this is a much safer alternative,” said Small. He said the camera surveillance, the lighting, and the police presence would increase personal safety when making a monetary exchange for goods with a person unknown to the resident that could be a risky endeavor.
“There have been numerous violent crimes across the country and several locally,” said Small. He cited a June 2015 incident involving a 21-year-old Mattapoisett man who was robbed at gunpoint in New Bedford while attempting to purchase a dirt bike from an unknown seller from Craigslist. “It just offers people an additional level of security.”
The worst place to meet a buyer or seller, said Small, is in your own home.
“There have been robberies of cash,” said Small. “It’s just too easy of an opportunity.”
The Rochester Police Department will officially begin offering the parking lot and lobby as safe online exchange zones starting on October 5. Assistance would be available 24/7, said Police Chief Paul Magee.
By Jean Perry