The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to inform community members of the local launch of Project Safe Trade at the Pembroke OPP Detachment located at 77 International Drive in Pembroke.
The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a 'community safety zone' at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions. Creating a 'community safety zone' is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.
The UOV OPP are inviting community members to use the OPP Safe Trade designated parking spaces at our Pembroke detachment. The Safe Trade parking spots are always available with no appointment necessary.
The OPP will not mediate transactions, provide documentation or be a witness to a transaction, however if an officer is requested, one will respond and only intervene if the transaction becomes a criminal matter.
Online transaction safety tips:
• Meet in a busy public space
• Bring a trusted friend or family member as a witness
• Conduct transactions during daylight hours
• Do not erase emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the buyer/seller
UOV OPP Detachment Commander Steph Neufeld stated, "The local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions. Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities."
Did you know?
Members of the public can search for property or motor vehicles that have been reported stolen at https://www.cpic-cipc.ca/
For more information, visit OPP.ca/SafeTrade