In the quaint town of Pembroke, Ontario, there’s something new catching the eyes of residents—certain parking spaces now sport an intriguing handshake symbol. Located right outside the Pembroke OPP station at 77 International Dr., these spots are designated as community safety zones to facilitate safer online transactions.
With the rise of online shopping and the need for in-person pickups or payments, the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP has set up these convenient locations to ensure everyone’s safety during these exchanges. This initiative, known as Project Safe Trade, is aimed at creating a secure community zone at an OPP detachment parking lot to make online property transactions smoother and safer.
The project encourages online transactions to shift from private and potentially risky areas like private parking lots or homes to more secure public spaces. Best of all, you can use these trading zones without needing an appointment—they’re available all day, every day.
As we head into the bustling holiday season, Steph Neufeld, commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment, mentions it’s a fitting time to roll out Project Safe Trade. With online marketplace transactions increasingly common, the UOV OPP is eager to kick-start a community safety initiative crafted to cut down on offenses related to these online dealings. Through Project Safe Trade and similar efforts, they hope to reduce victimization and harm in the community.
Const. Mike Mahon shares with CTV News that these areas also help in preventing online transaction scams. “If something appears too good to be true, it probably is,” he advises. He warns that if a seller hesitates to meet at this safe location, it might be cause for concern.
While the police won’t directly act as witnesses, mediators, or document handlers during these transactions, an officer will respond if called upon during a criminal situation related to a transaction.
For those who’d rather not use these specified areas, there are other ways to stay safe during your in-person online purchases. Here are a few alternative strategies:
Meet in a crowded public place. Bring a trusted friend or family member for added security. Conduct your transactions during daylight hours. Keep all communication records, like emails, texts, or voicemails, between you and the buyer or seller.
Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, stresses the importance of taking your time, especially during the hectic holiday season. Rushing could lead to oversight. Do your homework and ensure you’re informed about the person selling the item. Look into their selling history and check how past buyers have interacted with them.
Before exchanging money, insist on seeing the actual item you’re intending to buy. Make sure it’s functioning properly by asking the seller to power it on, and verify everything is in working order before you hand over any funds.
