Chief Mark J. Mitchell welcomes the public to use the Canton Police Department facility parking lot or lobby when meeting someone to make a financial transaction for goods advertised on Craigslist or other online sales. The suitable location and times for these transactions is the front parking lot of our offices, located at 221 East Marietta Street in Canton between the hours of 8:00 am. and 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday. If citizens choose to meet at the Police Department after office hours (including weekends) we ask they call the Cherokee 911 Center (678-493-4080) in order to notify the on-duty Shift Commander of the pending safety zone transaction meeting.
The Canton Police Department's number one concern is the safety of our citizens. Persons are urged not to meet anyone hesitant to meet at our facility. The potential profit from your sale is not worth the risk of being physically harmed.
Here are a few safety tips you can implement to avoid becoming a victim if you plan on buying anything on Craigslist or other online sites:
- Know who you are dealing with. Criminals don’t want to be identified. We recommend the following when planning an in-person transaction with a stranger: 1) Ask them for their name and phone number. 2) Request a photo of their driver’s license be sent to you via text using the phone number they gave you. If the buyer/seller is willing to heed these requests they are less likely to take advantage of you but caution is still necessary. If something were to happen you would have pertinent information to help Police locate the individual.
- Make the exchange in a public place. We recommend such transactions do not take place at a residence. It’s simply too dangerous. The best location is the Police Department other law enforcement agency open for business or called in advance to assist you.
- If possible go to the meet with a friend. There is safety in numbers. Having a friend along may dissuade some kinds of violence. Always let someone know where you are going, who you are meeting and when you plan to return. Again we recommend meeting at the Police Department.
- Do not deal with anyone except the buyer/seller. At times persons with ill intent will involve an intermediary. If a buyer offers to send a friend or business partner to pick up the item do not accept the offer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Don’t take checks or make change. Can you tell the difference between a counterfeit check or money order and a legitimate one? Take cash only or have payment directed to a third party site like PayPal.
