Skokie police are suggesting that anyone buying or selling items online with a local buyer or seller use the department’s lobby as a safe transaction zone to avoid being ripped off.
The department has been promoting the safe transaction zone on its Facebook page, said officer Eric Swaback.
“We just wanted to have people consider using the lobby to minimize any risk when dealing with online strangers,” he explained. “There have been reports of people who have done purchases online that they either get robbed or other things can happen.”
Swaback said the lobby is open 24 hours a day seven days a week.
“If you buy or sell items using online markets, consider conducting your transaction in the Skokie Police Department lobby to minimize the risk when dealing with an online stranger,” the department’s Facebook posting says. “The Skokie police department is offering its lobby as a transaction site for conducting lawful exchanges from websites such as Craigslist, Ebay and virtual garage sale sites.”
There is even a sign posted in the lobby of the department, at 7300 Niles Center Road, that designates an area near the front doors as a safe transaction zone “Meet Up Spot,” Swaback said, adding that the area is under video surveillance.
“It’s more or less a reminder for people who come into the lobby for unrelated business,” Swaback said of the sign. “It’s just a posting stating this is an option for people if you’re ever in a position of selling something online. It’s a place that they can come into and feel safe doing that transaction.”
More Top Picks Valentino Uomo Born In Roma For Men
He said people sometimes use the department’s parking lot to buy or sell vehicles.
He stressed that buying or selling weapons in the safe transaction zone is not permitted.
“Sales or purchases of weapons in the Police Station lobby are strictly prohibited,” the department’s Facebook posting says. “Weapons are not allowed in the police department by anyone other than a sworn law enforcement officer. Additionally, Skokie Police Department staff is not authorized to use law enforcement resources to determine if items are stolen.”