Buying Online? Meeting In Person? Use The Orland Police's Lobby

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park is reminding residents who buy or sell things online that they can meet in the lobby of the Orland Park Police Department to pick up or drop off purchases that require a face-to-face meeting.

The announcement comes in the wake of the slaying of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, who was killed in the home of a woman who offered her free baby clothes. The two met in an exchange on Facebook.

The purpose, officials said, is to conduct business in a safe environment that would deter sellers from ripping off customers and deter customers stealing from sellers. The Police Department exchange is a growing trend nationwide and has been an option in Orland Park for many years, officials said.

“The use of the lobby is being offered to deter any possible internet-related crime that may come along with such exchanges,” said Village of Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy in a statement. “Internet sales are now common practice.We just want to be sure there is a safe place to allow for these transactions to take place.”

Police department staff will not oversee or be responsible for such transactions, McCarthy said. The space is intended to assist in the safe exchange of goods and money without incident.

The online marketplace Craigslist offers this advice for personal safety:

• Insist on a public meeting place such as a cafe.
• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items.
• Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
• Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• Consider having a friend accompany you.
• Trust your instincts.