Palm Bay Police Urge Citizens to Use ‘Safe Exchange Zone’ For E-Commerce Transactions

By  //  March 8, 2019

make exchanges in the two provided spaces at the main Palm Bay Police Station

WATCH: Palm Bay Police Detectives arrested two juveniles in connection with a robbery that occurred on March 3 near the intersection of Norman Street and Vienna Street NE. The Palm Bay Police Department has two locations in Palm Bay to serve as a “Safe Exchange Zone” for residents to utilize for child custody, private property and e-commerce transactions. (Palm Bay Police video)

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay Police Detectives arrested two juveniles in connection with a robbery that occurred on March 3 near the intersection of Norman Street and Vienna Street NE.

“The victim advised he made arrangements to sell his iPhone on the social media site ‘Offer UP’ for $700,” said Palm Bay Police Public Information Officer Lt. Steve Bland

“When he arrived, the two suspects displayed a weapon and snatched the phone. The suspects fled on foot before the victim was able to notify police.”

The Palm Bay Police Department has two locations in Palm Bay to serve as a “Safe Exchange Zone” for residents to utilize for child custody, private property and e-commerce transactions.

Residents can make exchanges in the two provided spaces at the main Palm Bay Police Station, located at 130 Malabar Road SE, or at the Palm Bay Police Sub-Station, located at 1575 Main Street NE.

These spaces are located in front of the buildings and the lots have video surveillance on at all times.

Palm Bay Police Investigations Division Commander John Resh said that officers have seen an increase in these types of crimes with the popularity of social media commerce sites and encouraged citizens to use a Safe Exchange Zone that can add an extra level of safety during these transactions.

Palm Bay Police Investigations Division Commander John Resh, above, said that officers have seen an increase in these types of crimes with the popularity of social media commerce sites and encouraged citizens to use a Safe Exchange Zone that can add an extra level of safety during these transactions. (PBPD image)

Here are a few safety tips recommended by Pam Bay police officials to keep in mind when conducting such transactions:

• Only do transactions with local buyers/sellers
• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the meetup details
• Insist on meeting in a public area like our safe zone
• Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into yours
• Complete the transaction during daylight hours
• Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as vehicles and jewelry
• Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam it probably is
• If somebody is not willing to come to the police department to do a transaction it is probably not a legitimate transaction

Palm Bay Police Detectives arrested two juveniles in connection with a robbery that occurred on March 3 near the intersection of Norman Street and Vienna Street NE. The Palm Bay Police Department has two locations in Palm Bay to serve as a “Safe Exchange Zone” for residents to utilize for child custody, private property and e-commerce transactions.
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