WASHINGTON — D.C. is cracking down on thieves who steal packages off porches and also creating safe places for people to exchange goods they buy online this holiday season.
Consumers using online retail sites are being victimized when robbers posing as interested buyers and sellers target them online and meet to exchange goods, said D.C. Deputy Mayor Kevin Donohue.
“The suspects set up meeting locations and when the victim arrives, a pre-staged robbery occurs,” Donohue said. “To prevent this type of crime, we set up safe exchange zones.”
The three designated safe zones provide a safe place to purchase and exchange property, he said.
All the locations are at police stations so an officer can be nearby when consumers meet to do business with someone they don’t know.
Locations:
- Special Operation Division’s Harbor Patrol at 550 Water Street, S.W.
- Third District at 1620 V Street, N.W.
- Sixth District at 5002 Hayes Street, N.E.
“Even if you use these safe exchange zones, never meet anyone alone,” Donohue cautioned. “And never list your home address, phone number or any identifiable information. Additionally, it is always best to meet during daylight hours.”
There are other safety concerns during the holidays, too.
“It is the holiday season. We do rely on our community to also be vigilant when it comes to robberies. Package thefts is an issue we see. It’s occurring in the District and around the region,” said Police Chief Peter Newsham.
If you can’t have your packages delivered to work, Newsham suggested having them delivered to a trusted neighbor or using one of the free and secure pickup options provided by the U.S. Postal Service or Amazon.
