TROY, MI — The ability to disguise one’s self on the Internet creates inherent risk when relationship transition from cyberspace to the real world. Whether it be meeting someone via an online dating website or buying a lawnmower on Craig’s List, you never really know who’s on the other end, until you’re face to face. The Troy Police Department in Metro Detroit on Tuesday announced a new program to lessen risk and improve the sense of security for residents using, specifically, the popular online classified website Craig’s List. The Troy Police Department, effective immediately, is designating its front parking lot at 500 W. Big Beaver Road as a ‘safe zone’ for transaction. “The Troy Police Department is aware that individuals hoping to perpetrate a crime frequently seek out victims online,” Troy Police Chief Gary Mayer said in a prepared statement. “Our mission is to keep our residents safe and reduce their chances of victimization with this initiative.”
Troy Police Sgt. Meghan Lehman said there is no specific case or spike in Internet-transactionelated crimes that led to the program. “We have had incidents over the years,” she said. “All of the incidents have been fraud or scams, rather than robbery-type incidents.” Department officials say the police headquarters parking lot is under surveillance and invite the public to use the premises for daytime transactions. The Department is staffed 24 hours per day. The lobby desk is staffed weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.