Joining Gurnee and Waukegan, the Vernon Hills Police Department is implementing an “Internet Transaction Safe Zone” as part of an ongoing national effort to deter crimes associated with hand-to-hand transactions after online purchases.
Residents who are making an Internet-related transaction can use the Vernon Hills police visitor parking lot and/or lobby to conduct a safe transfer of property. Both areas can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, officials said. No phone calls are needed and no appointments need to be made, according to a news release from the department.
Under normal circumstances, a police officer will not be used to witness or play any role in the transaction. If requested by either party, an officer will respond. Police will not use government-computer resources to check the status of any property exchanging hands in private sales, officials said.
Anyone with questions may call the Vernon Hills Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 247-4889.
The movement to make such transactions safer is gathering steam nationwide. In Hartford, Conn., there’s “Operation Safe Lot,” in which online deals can be completed in a police parking lot. In Virginia Beach, Va., a program called “Find a Safe Place” allows such transactions in police station lobbies.
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