HASTINGS, Minn. - Making a deal for a bargain you found on Craigslist or another swap site can save you some dough.
On the flip side, it can also get you robbed, hurt, or in the rare worst case scenario... people have been killed by predators.
Many local police and sheriff's departments have responded by setting up swap spots, in public places where transactions can be completed in an area where help is not far away. Dakota County is the latest to join this trend.
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that two swap spots have been set up at the County Government Center in areas frequently monitored by law enforcement personnel.
- The lobby of the Law Enforcement Center will be available 24 hours a day. Staff is typically present between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The area is adjacent to the Jail Control Room.
- The west parking lot in front of the Juvenile Services Center is also available 24 hours a day and a better location for larger items. This area has a blue security pillar which has 911 calling and camera recording capability. Although the locations are in visible areas, there is no guarantee that staff will be present to monitor the exchange. Please use caution when conducting exchanges.
"In an era of on-line shopping where an in-person exchange will take place, we must also continue to evaluate best practices and concerns surrounding our safety," reads a release sent out by Dakota County Sheriff' Tim Leslie. "Our office is adding “Swap Spots” as a means for citizens to conduct transactions in a public location. Transactions may include on-line purchases, child custody exchanges, or any transaction where meeting in a public location will help improve personal safety. The Swap Spots are identified by signs in designated locations."
