Hillsdale Police Department Setting Up Safe Zones For Online Buyers, Sellers

HILLSDALE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Another New Jersey police force is joining a growing number of departments across the country that are creating safe zones for online buyers and sellers.

This after a growing number of violent crimes involving victims responding to Craigslist ads.

In 2009 Philip Markoff, dubbed "The Craigslist Killer," was arrested and charged with murdering a woman he met through the site.

He was also connected to two previous armed robberies of women through Craigslist.

But as CBS2's Alice Gainer reported, his is not an isolated case.

"Since 2009 there's been 48 reported killings of Craigslist-related crimes...around the country," said Lt. Sean Smith, with the Hillsdale Police Department.

Lt. Smith said his department wants to help make these online transactions happen in a safe and secure environment. So they're offering up their lobby and back parking lot at headquarters.

"Before you meet up with the person in a secluded area or in an unfamiliar area come to police headquarters here it's a public building," Lt. Smith said.

In Florida, police departments in Boynton Beach, Delray and Boca Raton released a video letting people know about their safe zones. The move came after a string of Craigslist transactions that resulted in robberies.

Hillsdale residents applaud the idea and said they would potentially use the location.

"There's a lot of crazy people out there," said Vinny Pitrelli. "You really don't know what you're getting into. I think it's a good idea."

"You hear a lot of stories about Craigslist and other incidents happening because of exchanges done in private," said Mary Lynn Borges.

Police said if a prospective buyer or seller has an issue with meeting at a police station, don't transact with them.

The lobby of the police station will be open 24-7 for these transactions, police just ask that you call ahead, Gainer reported. Police said it's also open to anyone, not just Hillsdale residents.

And of course, they prohibit transactions involving weapons, guns, drugs or other paraphernalia.