Persons interested in selling or acquiring items in private internet sales can now complete their deals in front of the Allentown Police Patrol Station at 10th & Hamilton streets.

Mayor Ed Pawlowski and Police Chief Keith Morris unveiled signs today creating a 15 minute time zone promoting the area as an internet exchange site. Area surveillance cameras bring an added measure of safety to participants in the exchange.

“There have been incidents of robberies and thefts from sales arranged on Craigslist or other similar websites in Allentown and elsewhere,” said Pawlowski. “I am pleased that we are able to do something to offer participants a better layer of security than just meeting in some public parking lot. This should give people a place to feel safe while giving would-be thieves something else to think about.”

“Transactions arranged online are very convenient for all of those involved, but the unintended consequence is the ability of criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting victims,” Chief Morris said. “Our goal in establishing this safe zone is to not only provide a safe place for the transaction, but to give piece of mind to the buyer and seller as well.”

The patrol station is manned at all hours.

Participants are not required to inform the police department that they are going to carry out a transaction in front of the patrol station. Officers will not be getting involved in people's private sales.

The sign urges participants to exercise caution during all transactions. It also adds that the city is not responsible for any aspect of transactions that occur at the site.

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