If you've ever met up with a stranger to make a Craigslist sale, you've probably felt those pre-sale jitters. Now, you have a safer option.
There's a new "E-Commerce Zone" parking lot in Delta Township that's upping security.
"We want you to be safe and this is the safest alternative right now," says Eaton County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mark Wriggelsworth.
The zone is relatively small, it's the front parking lot of the Eaton County Sheriff's Delta Patrol Station near Canal Road and West Saginaw highway.
It's well-lit and equipped with 24-hour surveillance cameras that are motion sensitive.
"You never know who you are going to meet," says Lt. Wriggelsworth, "and I think we, a lot of people have made transactions not knowing who they are going to meet."
For Delta Township, not only is it a way to keep people safe, it's a cheap, simple plan to keep up with the times.
"That's why we established this E-Commerce Zone because as more people engage in Internet commerce, we wanted to make sure that they are well protected," says Delta Township's Supervisor Ken Fletcher.
But, just because there are deputies feet away, doesn't mean you shouldn't follow some basic safety rules when you meet up with someone for an online buy or sell.
Keep these basic principals in mind:
"Well-lit, during the day, bring a person with you," says Lt. Wriggelsworth.
The lot is open to anyone, regardless of whether you live in Delta Township. There are signs posted around the lot designating what the area is for and who to call if you need assistance. Call 911 if you have an emergency during an exchange.
So whether you're from Delta Township or not, you might want to consider taking your next online transaction to this real life safety zone.
Many law enforcement agencies in the area have safe exchange zones in their parking lots or lobbies of their stations where they recommend people conduct online transactions.
