Palos Park Police Offers Residents Safe Place for Online Transactions

From the Palos Park Police Department:

In a time when internet transactions are becoming more common, the Palos Park Police Department will be offering the police department parking lot as a safe option for individuals to complete their transactions.

The Palos Park Police Department is located at 8999 West 123rd Street and the online transaction location is marked on the south side of the parking lot.

This area is under 24-hour video surveillance and provides community members with a safer alternative to other meeting locations.

“Transaction Safe Place offers the police department’s parking lot to the public as a place to meet and handle their transaction," said Police Commissioner Dan Polk. “Online sites such as Craigslist and Facebook require some transactions be done in person. At times, people invite strangers into their homes or meet them in an unsecure location, which can put individuals in danger.”

The use of the police department parking lot for online transactions is to deter criminal activity. Any transactions conducted in the parking lot are between the parties involved and the police department DOES NOT need to be notified that you are conducting the transaction. No property can be stored at or left in the police department or parking lot.

Here are some additional tips for completing safe online transactions:

1. Trust your instincts.

2. Don't go alone.

3. Insist to meet at a public place such as a police department

4. Do not meet in a secluded area.

5. Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs.

6. Be cautious when buying/selling high value items.

7. Perform the transaction during daylight hours.

8. If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is.

9. Tell a friend or family member about your intentions.

10. Take your cell phone with you.

11. Only accept cash or certified checks for sale.