Police nationwide begin offering safe haven for Craigslist transactions

YARMOUTH, Mass., March 25 (UPI) -- Police throughout the United States have created "safe zones" in apartment lobbies and parking lots for shoppers who make transactions on websites such as Craigslist.

Yarmouth, Mass., police on Tuesday announced the creation of a safe zone for online shoppers, adding to a growing trend.

People who are buying, selling or exchanging goods will be allowed to use the police department's front parking area, which is under video surveillance.

Yarmouth Police Department released a statement:

"With more and more people buying and selling goods over social media websites—and based on a suggestion from town of Yarmouth Board of Selectmen Chairman Erik Tolley combined with research and input from our staff—the Yarmouth Police Department will now be offering our front public parking area to allow people to make the transactions in a safer environment," the police department said. "Fortunately the vast majority of sales are done safely with no problems, but criminals can also be searching on-line sites for easy targets which have led to thefts, violent crimes, and even murders in other areas of the United States."

Yarmouth police noted there have been no reports or cases involving Craigslist-like crime, but police state the safety of residents is their top priority.

Known locations considered "safe zones" where online shoppers can make transactions in the parking lot or lobby of police stations include Hartford, Conn., Woodstock, Ga., Overland Parks, Kan., and Broward County and Palm Beach County, Fla.

We offer a safe location to conduct your #craigslist transactions @bocapolice teaming with @BBPD @DelrayBeachPD https://t.co/UGQAmma42D

— Boca Raton Police (@BocaPolice) October 6, 2014

Police recommend online shoppers meet with transactors during daylight in public places, to inform others of their plans and to bring a cell phone.

At least 45 people have been killed in Craigslist-related crimes since 2009.