St. Charles Cops Ask Residents to Complete Online Transactions in Station Lot, Lobby

ST. CHARLES, IL - To curb scams following online transactions and similar crimes, St. Charles Police Department officials have earmarked two parking spots outside the station as "Internet Purchase Exchange Locations."

Residents are invited to use the spaces — designated by signs — to safely complete Internet-arranged personal or business exchanges, such as selling a cell phone or tickets to an online buyer. The station's lobby will also continue serving as a safe place for such transactions, according to a community alert.

Both areas are monitored by security cameras, and their proximity to law enforcement personnel means residents can meet with confidence. You do not need to notify anyone inside the department to use the spaces.

“When using Internet sale and exchange sites, we encourage you to keep safety in mind,” St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan said. “If you need to set up a meeting to perform an exchange or transaction with someone online, you can choose the police station as a safe and secure location to do so.”

For more information about the safe exchange locations or internet safety, contact Crime Prevention Officer James Burden at 630.443.3835 or jburden@stcharlesil.gov.

Image via St. Charles Police Department