The Edson RCMP detachment is introducing an Exchange Zone program to help provide a safe place for people to meet when buying and selling items listed online.
Edson RCMP says they believe this will be another tool to proactively reduce crime in the community.
The Exchange Zone is located in the front parking lot of the RCMP detachment and has two designated parking stalls that are reserved for these exchanges.
The Exchange Zone will be available at all times, however, RCMP encourages residents to meet during daytime hours.
The detachment noted that officers will not be available to supervise the exchange meetings or help people negotiate their sales.
“When you make a purchase or sale from a social media app and need to meet someone whom you don’t know, these spots are for you,” says Staff Sergeant Christian Delisle, Detachment Commander of the Edson RCMP. “If you don’t feel safe having someone come to your residence, we want you to use these parking spots.”
When making arrangements to complete online transactions face-to-face, people are encouraged to follow these safety tips:
• Don’t go alone
• Take your cell phone with you
• Do not carry large sums of cash
• Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam it probably is
• Be cautious when buying/selling high-value items.
• Perform the transaction during daylight hours
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
• If somebody is not willing to come to the police department to do a transaction it is probably not a legitimate transaction
