For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Bedford Police Announce “Online Safe Zone” for Online Transactions

BEDFORD — Chief Robert Bongiorno is pleased to announce that the Bedford Police Department has implemented a new program aimed at facilitating a safe and secure meeting place for residents to meet strangers and complete online transactions on websites like Craigslist.

While the Bedford Police Department cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of items purchased online, the Department created the “Internet Transaction Safe Zone” to ensure that residents have a safe, secure and public meeting place to conduct purchases and sales of items.

Bedford residents and business owners who wish to complete an online transaction made through Facebook, Craigslist, or another medium, can arrange to meet at the “Safe Zone” — located inside the lobby of the Bedford Police Station, 2 Mudge Way.

The Bedford Police Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covered by security cameras.

The department is rolling out this initiative as residents increase their online shopping and transactions before the holidays. Bedford Police are also amping up patrols in shopping areas to prevent retail crime throughout the month.

“Our goal in establishing this safe zone is to provide a space where buyers and sellers can comfortably meet on common ground,” Officer Marc Saucier said. “We encourage all residents to conduct any face-to-face business transactions in a public place, and we now welcome these interactions in our lobby.”

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