Redondo Beach Police Establishes Meeting Spot For Online Transactions

REDONDO BEACH, CA — The rise of internet marketplaces such as Craigslist or OfferUp also means a rise in robberies associated with those sales, which is why the Redondo Beach Police Department has now dedicated a location for buyers and sellers to conduct online transactions.

The Redondo Beach Police station at 401 Diamond Street has been designated as an official "Meetup Spot," Lt. Shawn Freeman said. The location has 24-hour video monitoring, he said.

"The use of location is to promote secure transaction sites for buyers and sellers from online marketplaces," Freeman said.

Two 12-by-18-inch aluminum “MEETUP SPOT” signs have been posted in the front of the Redondo Beach Police station. These meetup spots are sometimes referred to as “Internet Purchase Exchange Locations” or IPELs for short.

"IPELs also allow for buyers and sellers to avoid giving personal information like home addresses and instead can opt for the Redondo Beach Police station as the meeting spot to complete their in-person transactions with peace of mind," Freeman said.

Patch file photo