BAZETTA TWP., Ohio - Another Valley community is offering a safe place for people who buy, sell and trade items online, as well as conduct other transactions.

Bazetta Township has opened a designated area that is under video surveillance.

The Safe Exchange Zone is meant to be used as an area to conduct face to face online transactions, child custody visitation exchanges, and other interactions that some may feel need to be monitored.

The zone is located at Bazetta Township Administration Building, 3372 State Route 5, Cortland.

One example of the need for such safe zones came during a July incident in Austintown.

A man told police he was robbed at gunpoint by a man in a parking lot.

The victim told police he met the alleged robber through an ad on Craigslist that claimed he was selling tires and rims.

Boardman Township already offers Internet Buyer’s Exchange Location Sites that provide places to exchange items in public places that are under surveillance.

The Internet Buyer Exchange Location Sites are located at the Boardman Township Government Center, 8299 Market Street.

There are two locations — in the main parking lot and inside the building. Both locations are under 24/7 surveillance by the Boardman Police Department.

The location inside the Police Department lobby in the Government Center is open during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed holidays).

Craigslist offers the following precautions when meeting someone for the first time to conduct a transaction:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
• Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
• Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• Consider having a friend accompany you.
• Trust your instincts.