By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Got a wad of cash in your pocket for that used car you found on Craigslist? A bit nervous about doing business with someone you only know from an Internet ad?
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is welcoming the public into the lobby of the Lewis County Law and Justice Center, suggesting it’s a good place for those who buy and sell items online to meet up with each other.
“Online selling and buying on Craigslist, Facebook, and other sites has become increasingly popular and with that comes risks,” Chief Deputy Stacy Brown states in a news release. “Robberies, thefts, and even deaths in some cases, have resulted from people meeting strangers to sell or buy an item advertised online.”
They’ve dubbed the front lobby on the first floor as a Neutral Exchange Zone.
“We hope this program helps to address unsafe situation(s) or deter crimes from occurring during the exchange of an item,” Sheriff Rob Snaza stated. “If someone refuses to meet in a public place or a neutral zone, that should be cause for concern with continuing a transaction.”
The sheriff’s office reminds the public that no weapons are allowed inside the building.
Exchanges can only be made there during business hours when the building is open. That’s 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Lewis County Law and Justice Center is located at 345 W. Main Street in Chehalis.
Brown says no personal services may be traded there.