The Thunder Bay Police Service has launched a new initiative aimed at making transactions through online marketplaces safer.
The Safe Trade Zone is set up at the Balmoral Police Station.
The area is providing residents with designated parking spaces captured by video surveillance for exchanges.
The spaces give users an alternative to inviting strangers to their homes or potentially meeting in secluded areas, reducing the risk of theft.
The designated meeting place also helps sellers ensure they receive payment.
“Cases of online fraud are particularly difficult to investigate,” explained city police in a release. “Repayment or reimbursement of lost funds is rare.”
The idea was brought forward by police service members and proposed to senior leadership earlier this year, where it received approval.
The zone is accessible from the Balmoral Street entrance to the police station property and immediately to the right.
Signage is in place marking the designated zone.
