Bought something on Craigslist — or another online shopping site — and want to pick it up in a safe place? The Kinston Police Department is ready to help you.

Recently, the KPD created an “Internet Purchase Exchange Location” to support a more secure site for residents to exchange goods sold through over the internet. The location is marked by a sign in the front KPD parking lot of the on East King Street and will be well-lit with 24-hour video surveillance.

Officers won’t oversee the transactions at the location.  

KPD Chief Alonzo Jaynes said he believes the meeting place, which is free to the public, will help minimize the risks of unsafe exchanges.

“We did a 1-on-1 session with supervisors and officers,” Jaynes said. “One of our supervisors suggested this and when you look at other cities, this has been a popular and safe way to make transactions. This will reduce the livelihood of someone getting robbed or taken advantage of while also making the citizens feel safer. We’re definitely responsive to the concerns of the community.”

KPD encourages residents to meet during daylight hours, engage in transactions solely with local buyers and sellers and trust instincts.