Towns around state are offering safe zones for online transactions

Several municipalities this year have established “safe zones” at police department parking lots where online buyers and sellers may meet to conduct their transactions.

The well-lit designated sections of the parking lots have signs alerting both parties of 24-7 video surveillance. The areas provide a neutral location for the exchange of goods and, typically, cash, as an alternative to people meeting at their private home or elsewhere.

Designated safe zones have been established in Chelmsford, Georgetown, Salem, Southborough, Littleton and Yarmouth.

Yarmouth Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos said he first heard of the idea of an Internet transaction safety zone in early March, when the suggestion was made by a patrol officer and Selectman Erik Tolley. Both heard about the idea after a Craigslist transaction resulted in a murder.

The idea, Xiarhos said, was a simple solution to a potentially dangerous situation, since large amounts of cash are often involved, and buyers and sellers do not know who is at the other end of the transaction. He said the Internet transaction safety zone is a “win-win” situation for the town and residents.

“Yarmouth has a beautiful parking lot and its mid-Cape location makes it convenient for people from outside of town to use the safe space,” he said.

Southborough Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus said his department’s parking lot layout is advantageous for a safety zone because it has only one-way in and one-way out.

With Internet transactions becoming more popular, a space where people can feel comfortable is an important element to public safety, said Southborough Town Administrator Mark Purple.

While police departments are staffed 24-7, officers are not necessarily keeping tabs on who is entering and exiting the safety zones, Chief Paulhus said. People are encouraged to check in with officers if it helps them feel more comfortable, though they are not required to do so.

Feedback from the community has been great so far in Yarmouth, Xiarhos said. Through social media, people have thanked the town for providing the space, he said.

“I would encourage all police departments to do it,” he said.

For more information, contact Yarmouth Deputy Chief Steven Xiarhos at sxiarhos@yarmouth.ma.us.