Peninsula Police Unveil ‘Meetup Spot’ For Safe Online Deals

SAN MATEO, CA — Ever wish you could close your next Craigslist deal under the watchful eye local police?

San Mateo residents looking to unload the snowboard they never use or snap up a bargain on a used laptop now have a new safe place to complete their transactions with total strangers.

The San Mateo Police Department on Monday unveiled a “Meetup Spot” for making such exchanges.

The area is monitored by security cameras 24/7, the SMPD said.

“If you make an on-line purchase and are looking for a safe place to make the exchange, you can now use this designated area in front of our police department to complete your transaction,” the SMPD wrote on its Twitter page.

The announcement has already drawn praise from several Twitter users.

“What a great idea,” Twitter user @Yorainman with a thumbs up emoji.

“Thank you for such forward thinking during these times.”

Said @Ed24Va: “Great idea! Hopefully other cities do the same.”

Twitter user @takimeta pointed out that police may have unwittingly created a stage for TikTok material.

“you do realize that since this is 24/7 monitored, that it will be inevitable for peeps to do some great skits or some super fun flash mobs just for the camera?” @takimeta tweeted, to which the SMPD replied with a faceplant emoji.