CKTB hosts idea of safe zones now turning into reality in Niagara

Starting Friday July 17th the Niagara Regional Police Service will commence a one year pilot projzect for an "Internet Transaction Zone".  

The project will take place at the Welland office of the NRPS located at 5 Lincoln Street in the east front parking lot and front lobby.

The NRPS Internet Transactions Zone pilot project will allow members of the community to attend the Welland police station parking lot and lobby to conduct internet sales transactions, in a public area, that is well lit and under 24 hour video coverage.  

The use of the parking lot and lobby creates "neutral ground" where all the parties can conduct business.

The Chair of the Niagara Regional Police Services Board says 610 CKTB host Kevin Jack spearheaded the idea.

Bob Gale says Jack first presented him with the idea of Niagara Regional Police creating safe zones for online buyers to meet with sellers back in April.

Gale then brought up the idea to Chief Jeff McGuire asking him to look into it.

The Welland station is open and police personnel are present 24 hours a day, every single day of the year.

The public are welcome to use the parking lot 24 hrs a day

The police will not mediate sales transactions or disputes arising from any transaction, except in extreme cases to maintain the peace.  Transactions are considered a civil process.

The users of the parking lot are asked to be courteous and conscientious as to where they park their vehicle or larger items (eg boats / trailers) they may be selling.

Members of the public who feel that some level of criminality may be involved in the transaction can report the matter to the police.

Members of the public are prohibited in bringing weapons or firearms to the police parking lot or police lobby.

The public, DO NOT have to call first and, if they do, no appointment will be made.

We ask that all parties in the transaction remain civil and law-abiding.

The NRPS cannot use our computer systems to "run" model numbers, serial numbers, etc. of items that are part of a private exchange.

A detailed list of the rules governing the internet transaction zones can be found by clicking here.

Several Ontario police forces already allow buyers to meet with sellers in front of their stations.

The move comes in the wake of the slaying of Ancaster father Tim Bosma who was killed while taking two men for a test drive in a truck he was selling online.