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.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
I believe this is an excellent idea. About 4 years ago a tenant of mine was robbed, shot, and killed meeting someone to purchase a vehicle. Unfortunately he was carrying cash on him to buy the car. As much as I appreciate and have used craigslist over the years, this comes to mind each time.
I use craigslist to employ myself and it works out very well. I advertise in the skilled trade section. Without craigslist i would have to work through a shop and be pimped. Before you have contractor service done at Home depot give craigslist a try. You will save thousands and not get an under paid contractor. You can verify there status with LnI in the verify a contractor section.
Great idea, I would assume everyone who walks in is being recorded on camera. This should help deter theft.
Once again, a great service is being provided to the citizens of lewis county. Thanks Mr snaza and Meyer…
I think this whole idea is good , I’m sure there will be naysayers out there but it sounds to me like a good idea. A friend of mine wanted to sell a set of wedding rings privately and her step dad who was a deputy Sheriff over on the east side told her to be very careful and Not to meet privately or alone in her home. That was many years ago before Craigslist . So you people selling your Ass on Craigslist probably won’t be able to avail yourself of this service though lol.
That is not quite true, you are allowed to carry firearms into the main lobby and then request a lockbox to put it in before passing the metal detector. I have done it many times and it is Washington State law that they provide the area to secure firearms. However if you are in the lobby prior to going through the detector it is not illegal to have a firearm.