Recent national and local incidents have indicated that in-person sales, transactions, and exchanges originating from online marketplaces such as “Craigslist” and “on-line” garages sales have experienced an increase in violence, fraud, and theft by deception. In an effort to promote safer transactions between strangers, we are encouraging residents to use their local police department as a meeting place for in-person transactions to occur. The Milltown Police Department has recently created a “Safe Exchange Zone” to assist residents in conducting their transaction in the safe environment of our municipal complex.
It is not the intent of the Milltown Police Department to provide police personnel to witness any transaction in person, but the video surveillance and proximity to police personnel is meant to increase the public’s peace of mind when engaging in such transactions with unfamiliar individuals. The “Safe Exchange Zone” is another way the police department is trying to keep the safety of the public in mind given the advances in technology and the internet.
The Safe Exchange Zone will be available to the public from 08:30 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week. The area designated for this activity is at the side entrance of the Milltown Municipal building (main entrance to police department and court). A large sign has been placed above the public bench that indicates the area is under surveillance along with a disclaimer and rules.