How new parking spots in Ontario could prevent property crime

The Ontario Provincial Police are zoning off parking spots at detachments across the province for people buying items from others online.

Police want shoppers to use these "Safe Trade" parking spots when they plan transactions on websites so both the seller and buyer feel safe.

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"It's such a simple concept but it gives that sense of security," said Staff Sgt.Brad Sakalo with the Tecumseh OPP.

The local detachment has a pair of "Internet Purchase Exchange Zones" sectioned off beside the station that have been in place since April 2016.

"We've seen the project Safe Trade referenced in Kijiji ads, we've seen it on online posts, communications back and forth between people," said Sakalo.

An officer isn't directly involved in the exchange unless something happens that puts one of the parties in danger.

Sakalo said he's heard some deals have been cancelled once the Safe Trade location is mentioned.

"Unfortunately deals have fallen through as a result but then victimization hasn't taken place either," said Sakalo.

Police are now placing these zones at parking lots beside OPP stations across the province.

Sakalo said that these spots will help deter property crime by limiting the places stolen goods can be sold.