Gaithersburg PD Designate an Internet Exchange Location

From the City of Gaithersburg:

The Gaithersburg Police Department (GPD) announces the implementation of a new public safety initiative, the “Internet Purchase Exchange Location” (IPEL). In partnership with OfferUp, which generously donated two parking signs, the program addresses safety and awareness concerns regarding Internet-based purchases from websites like Craigslist, eBay, OfferUp or any other item advertised for sale from an individual. While these and other websites are frequently used and credible, their popularity makes them vulnerable to criminal activity from online predators.

The Gaithersburg Police Department has investigated incidents involving meetings where transaction encounters have led to physical altercations. As a result, the GPD is providing a location for residents to use when conducting in-person transactions. Two designated parking spaces have been identified in the station’s public parking lot at 14 Fulks Corner Avenue for any type of legitimate exchange Gaithersburg residents may need, including Internet-based buyer and seller transactions.

The IPEL parking lot spaces are available to the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 7 days a week. The parking lot locations are under video surveillance at all times. The IPEL extends into the GPD lobby to provide a more enhanced layer of security and shelter, which residents are encouraged to use for buyer and seller transactions. The station lobby is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Gaithersburg Police Department may not act in any capacity as an official witness to or broker for any transaction. The IPEL has been established only to provide a safe environment for the exchange of merchandise between private parties. The goal of this program is to help reduce victimization and prevent illegal transactions. This offer does not extend to transactions involving the sale of any contraband, stolen property, gun sales, or the sale of illegal items or prohibited services.

• Be suspicious of a buyer or seller who changes the agreed upon location.
• Always meet the buyer or seller in a public place that is well populated.
• Avoid meeting on side streets or places that are not well lit.
• Always take someone with you and inform the buyer/seller that you will not be alone.
• Strongly consider conducting the transaction in the Gaithersburg Police Department lobby or the IPEL parking spaces.
• Trust your instincts – if it sounds like a scam, it probably is.
• Complete the transaction during daylight hours.

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