Indiana police departments offer Craigslist safety zones

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Two police departments in Boone County say residents looking for somewhere safe to pick up or sell an item on Craigslist can use public facilities.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/1E9eBiC ) that departments in Zionsville and Whitestown are offering the service. Police recently announced lobbies of city facilities can be a common area for buyers and sellers from the online marketplace.

Zionsville Police Chief Robert Knox says the Craigslist safety zones offer a public place for the transactions. Police say meeting in a well-lit place under video surveillance can cut down on crime.

Indiana isn't alone. Police departments in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan also have offered safe areas for online transactions.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com