The Grande Prairie RCMP have set up a safe exchange zone for people buying or selling things online. There’s now a sign on the walkway of the front entrance of the detachment on 99th Street.
It is a high traffic location, well-lit, and is monitored 24 hours a day by surveillance cameras. Police are encouraging anyone purchasing something from a stranger to meet up in that spot, to add a little security to the transaction.
Officers won’t help with the transfer or verify the authenticity or serial numbers of items, but they’re nearby should something criminal happen. People should also bring a friend of family member, always inspect an item before committing to buy it, and never accept cheques or a money wire.
Serial numbers can be checked to see if something has been reported stolen on the Canadian Police Information Centre’s online database.
