Safe Zone Created In Houston For Online Deal Transactions

HOUSTON, TX – A safe meeting area that will help cut down crimes committed during online transactions has been established at the Harris County Sheriff's Office substation in west Houston.

The safe zone, which is located at 16715 Clay Road, a few miles west of State Highway 6, opened Friday and allows those person-to-person transactions that start online to be completed safely.

Deputies will be on-site at the substation at 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to ensure the safety of residents while completing sales arranged on web-based shopping sites, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sites.

While deputies will be on-site, they will not take part in any transaction between the buyers and sellers, officials said.

Several law enforcement agencies in the Houston area, including the Houston Police, Tomball Police, and La Porte Police that have safe zones in their parking areas, have established safe zones in recent years to help thwart crimes that start as online transactions, .

The safe zones in the Houston area are clearly marked and in well-lit parking areas that should prevent criminal activity.

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Image: Bryan Kirk/Houston Patch Field Editor

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