“One person was shot while attempting to purchase a cellphone,” Johns said. “There was another case where a person was shot while attempting to purchase a bike.”
Under the new program, people can meet in the lobby or parking lot of the police stations on Wayne Avenue and Helena Street. Signs designating the areas as safe exchanges are posted, along with surveillance cameras. Residents can also request an officer to stand by during the meeting if needed. The lobby of the police stations are accessible from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“If they are selling something online that is not legitimate, they most likely won’t meet you at a police station,” Johns said.
Officers encourage residents to make the transactions during the day when they can be more visible. Craigslist also allows users to post advertisements for jobs and housing.
Craigslist provides a safety guide on its website and also encourages its users to exercise caution.
John North, president and CEO of the Dayton Better Business Bureau, warns people to get as much information as possible about what they intend to purchase before agreeing to meet with someone.
“They may advertise one thing … and then you may end up with something different,” North said. “You have to be cautious.”
North also encourages people to write down the license plate number of the people they meet with to make sure they can be identified if something goes wrong.
Jonathon Bauman, 23, says he uses Craigslist often. He has not had any dangerous encounters, but the program will make him more comfortable.
“It definitely takes some of the fear away,” he said. “That is always the most nerve-racking part.”
The safe zones can also be used for parents and guardians who need to make custodial exchanges. The police department wants to eventually extend the program to all of the stations in the city.
“We have a great command staff here who want to help people feel safe,” Johns said. “This program will give a place to make these transactions while lowering the risk of them being harmed.”
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