From furniture and old clothes to phones and textbooks you don’t need anymore, selling online is just a part of student life.
If it’s your first time buying or selling items from online marketplaces in Australia, it can be a bit intimidating.
Fortunately, if you’re in Victoria, there’s now a new and safer way to meet with online buyers or sellers. The Victoria Police have set up Safer Exchange Sites outside 35 police stations across the state, providing you with a secure place to go for these transactions. These sites are located at 24-hour police stations with clear signage, CCTV, and lighting to help you feel comfortable and secure when meeting someone you don’t know. This means you can avoid any potential risks associated with inviting strangers to your home or meeting in less secure spots like car parks. Head to one of these designated exchange sites for added peace of mind.
As explained by Commander Tim Tully, “While the overall number of assaults, thefts, and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don’t want to see any occur.”
After a rise in incidents connected to online marketplace exchanges, especially involving high-value items like smartphones, Victoria Police introduced Safer Exchange Sites. As explained by Commander Tim Tully, “While the overall number of assaults, thefts, and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don’t want to see any occur.”
“With the popularity of buying and selling items via online marketplaces continuing to grow, this initiative is all about police getting on the front foot to ensure an emerging crime theme doesn’t become an embedded trend.”
Regardless of where you live, some quick tips to keep you safe for meet-ups include:
- Stick to daylight hours if possible, or meet in a well-lit area.
- Bring a friend to the exchange.
- Keep your belongings secure and trust your instincts.
For a list of Safe Exchange Sites, check out the Victoria Police website.
