By Michael Gannon, Editor

The NYPD’s 105th Precinct on Monday extended an offer to residents who might not be quite sure about conducting transactions with strangers they have contacted on Craigslist.

Speaking before a meeting of Community Board 13, Inspector Jeffrey Schiff said those seeking a neutral place to meet someone might want to consider 92-08 222 Street in Queens Village.
The address is that of Schiff’s station house.

“We had seven grand larcenies last week,” Schiff said. “Five of them were Craigslist.”

Read more here.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON
Uncertain about that Craigslist contact you’re going to meet? Inspector Jeffrey Schiff says meet him any time you like in front of the NYPD’s 105th Precinct.

 The East Brunswick police department has established a "Safe Exchange Zone" for Craigslist sales and other online marketplaces, the department announced Wednesday.

The designated “Safe Exchange Zone” will be available to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week in the parking lot of the Municipal Court next to Police Headquarters.

East Brunswick police said they thought a zone like this was necessary after seeing an an increase in violence, fraud and theft by deception related to Craigslist sales.
"In an effort to promote safer transactions between strangers, we are encouraging residents to use their local police department’s designated parking lots and lobbies as a meeting place for in-person transactions to occur," the department said in a statement.

Access to the lobby of police headquarters for meetings may be arranged in advance by calling the police department, and only during non-court hours.

​While East Brunswick will not provide police personnel or staff to witness transactions in person, the area's video surveillance and proximity to police HQ is meant to increase the public’s peace of mind when they meet strangers to buy or sell an item.

 The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office (New York) is offering residents a safer place to conduct these in-person transactions.
Two “Safe Transaction Zones” have been established to prevent some of the crimes associated with online transactions, like robbery, theft and assault. The zones, located outside the Sheriff’s facilities in Riverhead and Yaphank, are in full view of on-duty deputy sheriffs and will help deter criminals who are looking to commit crimes against unsuspecting strangers online.

​Read more here.