South Bruce OPP unveil Project Safe Trade

The South Bruce OPP, in partnership with the Kincardine Safe Communities Committee, the Kincardine Police Services Board and the Municipality of Kincardine, has designated an Internet Purchase Exchange Zone in front of the OPP detachment office in Kincardine.

Called “Project Safe Trade,” the exchange zone was unveiled Friday morning by Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie, South Bruce OPP detachment commander inspector Dana Earley, acting staff-sergeant Keegan Wilcox and acting-sergeant Kevin Martin, community services officer, as well as Ron Roppel and John Keown of the police services board.

“The concept was developed at the Essex County OPP detachment,” said Martin. “When you purchase an item on-line, this is a public spot which is safe to make the transaction.”

“This will deter people from inviting unknown people to their homes,” said Earley, “and it will enhance the safety of the community.”

She said there are concerns about the safety of buying and selling items on-line, the main one being the increased incidence of fraud. “In the Town of Kincardine, alone, victims lost $50,000 last year in fraudulent on-line transactions.”

Earley said often people get the items shipped so there is no one-on-one transaction, but for larger items, the buyer may want to view the item. “Project Safe Trade provides a public place for that transaction.”

“I think this is a great idea,” said Eadie.

The police services board provided funding of $500 for the initial set-up, including signs and paint.

Martin emphasized that Project Safe Trade is strictly for the safety of the buyer and seller, providing a public place for the transaction.

“This has nothing to do with the item you are purchasing,” he said. “If you buy something and it's not what you expected or wanted, that's a civil matter.

“Property safety is important which is why a piece of our property is designated for your safety.”