Close X
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ADVT 
National

Police Department Creates Zone For Safer Online Sales In Abbotsford, B.C.

The Canadian Press, 28 Feb, 2018 12:08 PM
    ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Meeting a stranger to complete an online deal can feel risky, even for a veteran police officer.
     
     
    Sgt. Judy Bird knows first-hand about the "sketchy" feeling that can come with buying or selling items on platforms like Craigslist, Kijiji or Facebook.
     
     
    "Even though you're not doing anything wrong, it feels weird. You're sitting in your car, waiting to meet somebody that you don't know and hoping that this transaction goes well," said Bird, spokeswoman for the Abbotsford Police Department in B.C.
     
     
    Abbotsford police are trying to make online deals less risky by turning two parking stalls in front of the department's headquarters into a space where people can meet safely.
     
     
    The area is under video surveillance and close to the station's front doors, in case safety issues arise during a deal.
     
     
    "This provides one more safe place where people can meet others to make these transactions in a safer manner," Bird said. "Most offenders will not come to the police department."
     
     
    Online forums advertising everything from smart phones to wedding decor are popular in the Fraser Valley and the vast majority of transactions are problem free, she added.
     
     
    But classified ads have led to violence in the past in B.C.
     
     
    In 2004, Marc Rozen was killed in his Vancouver apartment after he placed an ad in a local paper saying he wanted to sell an engagement ring appraised at $18,000.
     
     
    Police said the 38-year-old was murdered for the jewellery.
     
     
    A man identified by police as a gang member was convicted in 2013 of first-degree murder in Rozen's death. 
     
     
    Kijiji Canada spokesman Kent Sikstrom said a number of steps are taken to protect user safety on the sales platform, including technology that detects and removes potentially unsafe or illegal posts, and a customer service team that responds to listings flagged by users.
     
     
    The company also encourages people to meet in public places like coffee shops to complete transactions, Sikstrom added.
     
     
    "If you're going to somebody's house to pick up a couch, let's say, or something heavier that you couldn't transport to a coffee shop, we always recommend bringing a friend with you, making sure you inspect the quality of the items ... maybe even agreeing to meet at those buy and sell zones as well. These are all great options," he said.
     
     
    Sikstrom added that anyone who experiences a crime should report it to police.
     
     
    Police in Abbotsford are happy to provide a safe place for exchanges and will step in if a crime is committed, but officers can't help if an item isn't as advertised, Bird said.
     
     
    People should not bring extra cash, and remember to never share personal information like social insurance numbers or banking details, she added.
     
     
    "Though we are a very trusting community with good people, it's important for us to also look after our own safety," Bird said.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Justin Trudeau Sets Up Conflict Of Interest Screen Concerning Aga Khan

    OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he'll abstain from any future discussions or decisions regarding the Aga Khan and his institutions.

    Justin Trudeau Sets Up Conflict Of Interest Screen Concerning Aga Khan

    Republic Day 2018 PICS & Videos: India Showcases Military Might, Cultural Diversity

    Republic Day 2018 PICS & Videos: India Showcases Military Might, Cultural Diversity
    India on Friday celebrated its 69th Republic Day with 10 leaders of Asean countries taking a close look at the country's military might and cultural diversity and getting a peep into achievements at the annual grand parade here.

    Republic Day 2018 PICS & Videos: India Showcases Military Might, Cultural Diversity

    BC Woman Clark-Bojin Is Shaking Up The Baking World With Her Elaborate Pie Creations

    BC Woman Clark-Bojin Is Shaking Up The Baking World With Her Elaborate Pie Creations
    The former filmmaker's journey from kitchen klutz to pastry pro started with a New Year's resolution to cut down on sugar in 2016, when she began experimenting with pies to sate her dessert cravings.

    BC Woman Clark-Bojin Is Shaking Up The Baking World With Her Elaborate Pie Creations

    Acquitted BC Terror Suspect Othman Hamdan Sues Province, Ottawa

    Acquitted BC Terror Suspect Othman Hamdan Sues Province, Ottawa
    VANCOUVER — A British Columbia man acquitted of terrorism-related charges has filed a lawsuit against the provincial and federal governments, arguing he was maliciously prosecuted in violation of his charter rights.

    Acquitted BC Terror Suspect Othman Hamdan Sues Province, Ottawa

    2 Found Dead In 'Suspicious' Surrey House Fire

    2 Found Dead In 'Suspicious' Surrey House Fire
    Police say the fire broke out Thursday afternoon in a residential area in the south end of the city.

    2 Found Dead In 'Suspicious' Surrey House Fire

    OPINION: Ethically Challenged Bill Morneau and the Conflict of Interest

    OPINION: Ethically Challenged Bill Morneau and the Conflict of Interest
    In the economic sphere, these guidelines are ever so important for the Finance Minister because he is the top official in charge of government financing, economic policy and financial regulations. 

    OPINION: Ethically Challenged Bill Morneau and the Conflict of Interest