Lavonia Police Station Designates Parking Spot for Internet Buying, Selling

Many of us like to buy and sell items online but if you’re not careful that could be dangerous.

Buying or selling items on social media, eBay, Facebook Market Place, or Craigslist can often lead to the seller or the buyer being a victim of a scammer.

The Better Business Bureau recommends when selling or buying online from a private individual, always meet in person in a safe place.

That’s why the Lavonia Police Department has created a designated area for people to meet to buy or sell items and meet the person with whom they’re dealing.

Acting Chief Daniel Carson said they’ve created a designated parking space in front of the Police Department as an Internet Purchase Exchange Location.

“Now there are a lot of folks who use the Internet for buying and selling,” he said. “When you meet somebody it’s always a good idea to meet in a public location but even beyond that you definitely want to meet somewhere that’s under media surveillance just for everyone’s safety. While our parking lot is under constant surveillance, there’s one particular spot that’s a good camera angle. So, it’s just a good spot for someone who wants to meet as far as buying or selling.”

And if the weather is bad, the lobby at the Lavonia Police Station is open 24×7 and there are surveillance cameras inside as well.

Carson said it’s also a good spot for child custody exchanges.

And he advises buyers and sellers to meet only during daylight hours and make sure a friend or loved one knows where you’re going.

Additionally, if you do need an officer, you can go inside the police department and ask to speak to an officer if it’s during regular business hours.

After hours you can use the phone in the lobby that will connect you directly to 911.