Police in Strathcona County provide safe ‘Internet Purchase Exchange Location’

RCMP east of Edmonton have set up a spot for residents to buy and sell goods from internet transactions, such as purchases set up through websites like Kijiji and Craigslist.

Now, Strathcona County residents can go to the parking lot of Strathcona County RCMP headquarters at 911 Bison Way in Sherwood Park to complete legal transactions initiated online – the area is marked with two posted signs indicating the area is under continuous video surveillance.

“We understand people feel hesitant to give someone their home or work address or meet them in a random parking lot and wanted to provide a location that was public, monitored and accessible,” Cst. Kelly with Strathcona County RCMP said in a statement. “Here is an opportunity to make people feel more safe when they meet up with a stranger to exchange purchased items.”

RCMP still recommend anyone planning on completing such an exchange should bring another person, a friend or family member with them, to meet the seller in person and inspect the product before exchanging money or goods, not use cheques or money wiring services, and not to give personal or banking information over the internet.