It’s convenient and easy to buy and sell items through websites such as Craigslist, but it’s not always safe meeting up with strangers. Those same online classified sites are often used by criminals with no plans to sell anything.
After a Cobb County couple was shot to death while responding to an online ad in January, many metro police agencies publicly reminded citizens of the importance of meeting in public places when purchasing or selling online.
This week, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office took it one step further. There are now four parking spaces specifically for online transactions, with posted signs that include a phone number if you’d like a deputy to stop by.
“They’re not there to file a report,” Lt. Glenn Daniel told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re just there to keep our citizens safe.”
Bud and June Runion, Marietta grandparents, were killed when they traveled to south Georgia with hopes of purchasing an antique car in January. Then in February, Clark Atlanta University student James Jones Jr. was shot to death in Cobb County when he attempted to buy an iPhone 6, according to police.
Crimes related to online transactions are too numerous to count, but planning ahead can make it safer, police said.
“If someone is legit, they won’t have a problem at all meeting you at the sheriff’s office,” Daniel said.
The online transaction parking spaces are located near the front of the sheriff’s office, and those using the safe zone are asked to schedule meetings during daylight hours. By calling the non-emergency number on the signs, a deputy can be present during the transaction.
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