TOMS RIVER – A Safe Exchange Zone has been set up for people to pick up items that they buy online.
No, this is not a place for people to exchange presents with each other. This is a spot to meet up with someone when you buy an item online. Some people in cyberspace don’t have your best interests in mind. Local police stations have been responding to this by designating a spot for residents to pick up items from strangers in a safe location.
The one in Toms River is in the parking lot of the police department, located at 255 Oak Avenue. There are two parking spaces designated, and you can tell which ones they are by the green striping and posted signs.
The purpose of the Safe Exchange Zone is to add a layer of security to the exchange of online transactions from websites such as Craig’s List, eBay, LetGo, and other online marketplaces as well as private sales and even safe child custody exchanges, police said.
However, it is important to note that Toms River Township employees will not act as witnesses. They also won’t take part of any transaction.
The spaces are monitored by 24-hour surveillance, though. The spot is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the transactions should be done during daylight hours for people’s safety.
While residents are encouraged to use this spot for a variety of legal reasons, they should not be used for the exchange of weapons, controlled dangerous substances or paraphernalia.
