There’s been a popularity explosion in the world of online buying-and-selling–just think how the Wilton Tag Sale page on Facebook and the hundreds of others like it, have increased an already hot market on Craigslist and eBay. With the trend has come an increase in the risk for buyers and sellers, making some leery of arranging meetings at their own homes or in unfamiliar locations.
The Wilton Police Department has joined a national law enforcement initiative called SafeTrade, to help residents complete online transactions safely when meeting in person. As part of the effort the department has designated an E-commerce safe zone located in the parking lot in front of police headquarters. The area is designated by a sign that indicates the location is under surveillance. The goal of the E-commerce safe zone is to provide a safe location for individuals to exchange goods purchased and sold on Internet sites such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook.
Wilton Police reiterate they will not be involved in any of these private transactions, but that the safe zone is intended to provide individuals with a known, well-lit and secure location at which they can conduct their private business. They caution and remind residents, however, that the area is not to be used for the exchange of illegal or dangerous items such as weapons.