Buying something from strangers? Do it in a police department parking lot

With robberies taking place as a result of individuals meeting to buy things from strangers on Craigslist and similar sites, local law enforcement have asked that individuals meet in their parking lots to buy and sell items.

More from Prince William police:

Can I use the parking lot of a county police station to lawfully buy or sell items to or from a stranger (such as through Craigslist or other online forum)?

Yes. Both county police stations and parking lots are open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be used to conduct these lawful transactions. It should be noted that the department does not assume responsibility over the sale of these items and cannot guarantee a crime will not occur, even if the transaction occurs in the parking lot of one of our facilities. This is only suggested as a deterrent towards those who may be intending to commit a crime. If a crime does occur, please report the matter promptly to police.                                                            

More from the Stafford Sheriff’s office:

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office and the Fredericksburg Police Department, joining law enforcement agencies across the nation, announce an opportunity to have a safe place for individuals to meet up with a stranger to buy or sell items. 

The three law enforcement agencies have opened up their parking lots as a safe place to purchase or sell items, often times done on the internet.  These safe zones will allow citizens a chance to conduct their business in a protected environment.  The safe zones will be available to citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  While the law enforcement agencies are not responsible for the sale of items, they are committed to providing citizens with an area where they feel safe when making such transactions. The well-lit parking lots also provide video surveillance around the clock.

“If individuals hesitate to make a transaction at one of our headquarters, that can be a pretty good indicator that this may not be the person you want to do business with,” states Sheriff Charles Jett, Sheriff Roger Harris and Chief of Police David Nye.  “We are excited about providing this safe zone venue for the citizens of Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties and the City of Fredericksburg.”

The addresses for the stations are:

Prince William County Police Department
15948 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office – Public Safety Center
1225 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia 22555

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
9119 Dean Ridings Lane, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22551

Fredericksburg Police Department
2200 Cowan Blvd., Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401