Longmont Police Department this week opted against posting “Safe Zone” signs for “private party” sales in our lobby. Instead, Longmont Police intends to spend the energy educating the community regarding “private party” transactions. We know that these private party sales transactions (ads in newspapers, garage sales, online purchases) take place all over the city, every day of the week. We know that many of the items you are selling cannot be brought to the station (cars, furniture, etc.). Residents can still use our parking lot; however, we do not believe putting up a sign makes the exchange any safer. Instead, we believe teaching our residents how to conduct private party sales makes more sense.

• If at all possible, do not go alone; take one or two people with you.
• Inform family and/or friends where you are going. Leave behind the address and the time you are meeting the seller. 
• Take a cell phone. 
• Set an agreed upon time that a designated friend/relative should hear from you. Call them after you meet with the unknown party to let them know you are safe. If the friend/relative does not hear from you at the designated time they should call you. 
• If you are selling items, put those items in the garage or bring them outside. Do not allow anyone into your home and do not go into a house in which you do not know the tenants. If you are the seller, make sure someone else is with you or a neighbor is watching.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash. If the sale appears to be one that you want to make, meet at the bank for an exchange of funds. 
• When responding to a location to purchase an item from a seller, park in a high traffic area during daylight hours. Do not meet sellers after dark.
• If it seems too good to be true from the beginning, it probably is. Trust your instincts!
• Use 9-1-1 if your safety is at risk; be prepared to provide a good description of exactly where you are at and what has occurred. Get the license plate, description of the driver and vehicle, and the direction of travel.