SHELBY, Ohio – Online buyers and sellers have a safe place to make exchanges thanks to the Shelby Police Department’s designation of two Internet exchange zones on police property.
Two new signs were unveiled Thursday designating an indoor and outdoor area of the police department. Chief Lance Combs explained the police department is uniquely equipped to provide a safe place for such exchanges due to a well-lit parking lot, indoor lobby with ATM vestibule, and 24/7 video surveillance monitoring of all areas.
“Law enforcement across the country has seen online commerce used by criminals as a way to bring crime victims directly to them, at a time and place of their choosing,” said Combs. “These troubling incidents have resulted in stolen property offenses, as well as robberies, sexual assaults and even homicide.”
Combs noted that a refusal of an online merchant to meet for an exchange at the police department would be considered a warning sign.
“Citizens making legitimate online purchases that require a hand-to-hand transaction must be aware of the potential dangers of these purchases,” he said.
Mayor Steve Schag praised the Internet exchange zones as another testament to the police department’s concern for the well-being of Shelby citizens and those in close proximity.
“The Shelby Police Department is all about community safety and professional law enforcement,” said Schag. “I believe we are blessed with a police chief and police force that is anxious to use all of the 21st century tools available to them in their ongoing efforts of protecting our citizens.”
The idea for an Internet exchange zone at the Shelby Police Department came from a similar program announced by the Mansfield Police Department in July. Combs said the department encourages the public to use department facilities for exchanging items bought or sold online.
“While transactions are still buyer-beware, and we will not mediate disputes over civil matters such as defective or abused equipment, we are happy to provide a safe area for individuals to conduct person-to-person transactions,” said Combs.
