Rochester Police Create Safe Exchange Zone for Online Sales

Worried About Meeting Strangers for Online Sales?

Have you ever put something up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or another online yard sale site, only to wonder how you’ll safely meet the buyer?

Or maybe you were the one making a purchase from a local seller, but the idea of visiting a stranger’s home made you a little uneasy.

I’ve listed plenty of items for sale online. Whether it was on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, there’s always that doubt in the back of your mind about exactly who you could be inviting to your home. Your imagination can easily get the best of you.

I didn’t worry much about selling things like Pack ‘N Plays or tricycles, but I was definitely more cautious when selling iPads, iPhones and laptops. A few times I met up with buyers in the Fairhaven Stop & Shop parking lot. It's funny, even though we weren't doing anything wrong, it felt like we were doing something nefarious.

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Rochester Police to the Rescue

For residents in and around the Town of Rochester, the police have created a safe solution. They aren’t the first department to do it, but it’s certainly a welcome addition to the Rochester community.  .

A Safe Exchange Zone for the Community

The Rochester Police Department has set up a Safe Exchange Zone in its parking lot. The area is monitored 24 hours a day with video surveillance so residents can “exchange with confidence.”

Police recommend using the zone for child custody exchanges, online marketplace transactions, and private party sales.

It goes without saying, but no illegal activity will be tolerated.