EPPD to create safe space for online transactions by offering lobby space
Do you have something you want to sell on Craigslist or eBay, but don’t know of a safe place to meet the customer? Why not try the El Paso Police station?
With a slew of crimes reported within the last year, the El Paso Police Department wants to minimize those engaging in e-commerce transactions from becoming victims of crime.
For example, earlier this month, police warned about a wanted man believed to be armed and using Craigslist to steal vehicles. 31-year-old Pedro Saenz, of Juarez, Mexico, allegedly targets car sellers posting vehicles for sale on Craigslist, police said.
Tuesday, EPPD announced the availability of the lobbies of five Regional Command Centers and Police Headquarters to conduct e-commerce transactions in an effort to create a safe space.
They include:
Police Headquarters 911 N. Raynor El Paso, TX 79903
Central Regional Command 200 S. Campbell St. El Paso, TX 79901
Mission Valley Regional Command 9011 Escobar Dr. El Paso, TX 79907
Northeast Regional Command 9600 Dyer St. EL Paso, TX 79924
Pebble Hills Regional Command 10780 Pebble Hills EL Paso, TX 79935
Westside Regional Command 4801 Osborne Dr. El Paso, Texas 79922
EPPD said the lobby areas of the Regional Command Centers are under constant video surveillance, well lighted, open 24-hours a day and offer a safe location to meet/conduct internet business.
The El Paso Police Department’s staff will not become involved in any portion of the civil transaction. Should the exchange turn to a criminal offense, law enforcement assistance is close by.
Police said in 2017, there were 54 e-commerce related criminal cases generated across the city.
Pebble Hills Regional Command Center reported 22 cases, Central Regional Command Center had 13 cases, Mission Valley Regional Command Center reporter 9, Northeast Regional Command Center had 6, and the Westside Regional Command Center had 4.
