Boone County police agencies provide Craigslist safety zones

Looking for somewhere safe to pick up that item for sale you found on Craigslist?

Two police departments in Boone County say you can meet at their place.

The Zionsville and Whitestown police departments recently announced that the lobbies of city facilities can be used as a common area for Craigslist buyers and sellers who are contacting people they don't know.

Police say by meeting in well-lit areas that are under video surveillance, residents can cut down the risk of becoming victims during a transaction.

Zionsville Police Chief Robert Knox said crimes stemming from Craigslist deals have not been a problem in the community and officials want to keep it that way.

"It's a public place, so offering up our lobby for these deals ... it's a simple gesture, and it's the right thing to do," Knox said. "We just want to get this information out there and get ahead of the situation."

Lebanon resident Judy Ryan is a frequent Craigslist user. She was recently advertising baby clothes for sale.

Although she said she often goes to personal residences to sell small items, Ryan said she welcomes the option to complete transactions in the police station, especially when selling more valuable goods.

"If I was going to sell coins or jewelry, the police station would be a great place to meet," she said.

Craigslist safety zones have been popping up nationwide as criminals, many violent, lure victims using such free online ads. One of the most well known is Phillip Markoff, a medical student dubbed the "Craigslist Killer" after police said he killed one woman he met on the site and assaulted two others in 2009. Markoff committed suicide in 2010.

More recently, Jordan Baker, 19, Jonathon Myles, 19 and Kaylnn Ruthenberg, 21, were charged in connection with the Feb. 9 slaying of Clark Atlanta University student James Jones Jr. Police said Jones was trying to buy an iPhone he found on Craigslist when he was robbed and shot.

Locally, Indianapolis police have conducted two murder investigations in recent years tied to Craigslist. In December 2012 Nishant Patel was found fatally shot in his car after he met with a person looking to buy an iPhone. A year later National Guardsman James Vester was slain over an iPad sale. Suspects in both crimes are awaiting trial.

Safe zones implemented and advertised by police began growing in popularity last year. In addition to Indiana, police departments in Michigan, Illinois, Georgia, Kansas, Florida, Colorado and others have created Craigslist safe havens.

Some Hoosier police departments that promote Craigslist safety zones include the Spencer Police Department in Owen County and the East Chicago Police Department in Lake County. Dozens of others, including IMPD, encourage residents to contact police if they have concerns about a deal and to use public facilities as meeting spots.

Knox, the Zionsville police chief, said staying safe when buying and selling online requires residents to browse with their safety in mind.

"It starts with them," he said. "Don't go to the home of someone you don't know, and don't invite someone to your home. If you can't make it to the police department, always conduct your business in a public, well-lit area."

Zionsville business owner Eric Stanfield, who recently was selling a car engine on Craigslist, said he would likely meet a buyer at his business during work hours.

But he said his wife often buys items on sites like Craigslist and seeks out safe and neutral locations. The police station would be a good place, he said.

"For an individual to individual transaction, that is probably beneficial," Stanfield said.

The lobby of the Zionsville Police Department, 1075 Parkway Drive, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Whitestown Municipal Complex lobby, 6210 S. County Road 700 East, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anyone using one of the facilities to complete a transaction is asked to notify the front desk. Residents using the facilities during the weekend or after hours are encouraged to use the parking lots, which are under video surveillance.

Star reporter Madeline Buckley and USA Today contributed to this report. Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.