Upper Darby police sets up 'safe zone' for online exchanges

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- In the midst of the busy holiday season, Upper Darby police are trying to avoid shopping scams.

The township police station is now a "safe transaction zone", where people can make sales and purchases that are privately arranged or through websites like Craigslist.

Police say they will not offer any legal advice or settle disputes between buyers and sellers. But they are hoping that the presence of law enforcement and cameras will prevent crimes linked to online exchanges.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood says, "We in the Upper Darby Police Department do not get involved in any way, shape or form. There's no cost attached to it. All it is, is about safety of community members."

The safe zone includes the lower front lobby of the station and the curbside in front of the building. It's open seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.