Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department is reminding residents to take precautions when meeting strangers to buy or sell items listed on online marketplaces. The warning comes amid a noticeable increase in robberies where victims are meeting sellers in person and then being robbed at gunpoint.
To reduce the risk of these crimes, CPD is urging the community to use its designated Safe Exchange Zone, located outside the Police Services Center at 3410 Amnicola Highway. The space is monitored by surveillance cameras 24 hours a day and is intended to provide a secure location for transactions or child custody exchanges.
The department emphasized that anyone can use the Safe Exchange Zone without checking in with police. Users should simply park in the marked area and conduct their business in view of the cameras.
While the surveillance adds an extra layer of security, CPD still recommends that all exchanges take place during daylight hours. Residents are also encouraged to inform a friend or family member of their plans and location. Finally, the department warns that deals that seem too good to be true often are—and could be a setup for criminal activity.
For more information, residents can contact the Chattanooga Police Department or visit their official social media channels.