Bancroft OPP is making sure there is a safe area to conduct online transactions.
The detachment is launching Project Safe Trade, which will let people use their parking lot to exchange property bought on online marketplaces. The move is in the hopes of creating a community safety zone to allow these online transactions to occur in a public place, rather than in secluded parking lots or personal residences. They are available at all times with no appointment necessary.
Conducting these online transactions in a public place is one of several ways the OPP says you can protect yourself. When meeting someone to exchange property, police suggest bringing a friend or family member as a witness and keep transactions during daylight hours. They also say to not erase emails, texts or voicemails between you and the buyer or seller.