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Vernon Hills police station could become meeting spot for online sales

Cases of online buys gone wrong have prompted Vernon Hills police to consider making its headquarters a safe zone for transactions.

Village Trustee Jim Schultz said he approached Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer about the idea after seeing a nationally televised report on a "Craigslist safe zone" established by police in Marietta, Georgia. An elderly couple from that community were murdered after responding to what turned out to be a false ad for a vintage car.

As a result of that report, there has been interest in establishing similar arrangements at local departments, according to village officials.

The Vernon Hills station already is used as a neutral location for divorced parents who are transferring custody of children, prescription drug drop-offs and other activities.

"It seemed like a natural extension," Fleischhauer said.

"We kind of figured we'd be pretty comfortable in establishing this Internet trading zone," Schultz said. "I think it's a good idea and I think it would work out."

The "Internet Transaction Safe Zone" is the working name of the program, according to information provided to the village board. As this is a relatively new concept, more research will be needed to determine details, Fleischhauer said. He plans to ask the trustees Tuesday during the regular board meeting to lend support to the idea.

"It's just another service to offer to the community," he said.

Only a few departments in Illinois offer a similar service, according to Fleischhauer. Naperville officials are considering offering the police station lobby as a safe place for buyers and sellers to complete transactions in person as needed.

"We're not going to be responsible for any of the transactions or anything. It just gives people a place and allows (them) to feel more secure," Schultz said.

Fleischhauer said there are many online marketplaces and sometimes "it's just easier" for transactions to be made at a neutral spot.

"I'm disappointed it's come to this," he said.

The intent is to finish the research quickly and report to the village board at a future meeting.

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