Local police remind residents about e-commerce exchange safety

BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — December is a popular time of year for gift giving, which many turn to e-commerce options such as Facebook Marketplace. 

To accommodate this trend in online shopping, local police departments have designated parking spots for e-commerce exchanges. While these spaces are not new, they continue to be a helpful resource in the community for residents to take advantage of to protect themselves during exchanges from e-commerce sites. 

Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Craigslist are all examples of e-commerce sites that connect sellers and buyers, who often meet in person to make the exchange. Since these transactions begin online, these exchanges can be dangerous situations for some. 

To make residents feel safer during these exchanges, the Birmingham Police Department has a designated Internet Purchase Exchange Location in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall at 151 Martin St. This area is under video surveillance. 

If you need to make an exchange after dark, this parking lot is well lit. However, it is recommended that all exchanges be made during daylight hours. 

“It just gives them a space that is safe, that is right next to the Police Department, under video surveillance to pursue that transaction,” Birmingham police Chief Scott Grewe said. 

The Bloomfield Township Police Department, 4200 Telegraph Road, in Bloomfield Township, has eight spots designated for exchanges. These are often used to exchange items purchased online, but they are also used to exchange children from caregiver to caregiver.

Bloomfield Township Police Department Community Relations Officer Heather Glowacz said this is a popular resource that has been around for several years. These parking spots provide a neutral space that is monitored by cameras for safety. 

“We encourage everybody to go there, from exchanging their children to doing any Facebook Marketplace exchanges or anything like that,” Glowacz said.

Grewe advises everyone buying off Facebook Marketplace to check out the buyer’s profile to discern if their sale is legitimate. 

The Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department does not have any formal spots; however, exchanging in any police station parking lot is often considered safer than meeting up at private residences.