Werribee is one of 35 police stations across Victoria offering secure exchange zones for online buyers and sellers
Werribee Police Station is now home to one of Victoria’s new Safer Exchange Sites, providing a secure location for community members to meet and exchange items bought or sold online. This initiative rolled out across 35 24-hour police stations in the state, is designed to offer a safer alternative to meeting unknown individuals in private or isolated locations like parks or carparks.
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The designated exchange zones are marked by clear signage outside each participating police station, equipped with CCTV surveillance and ample lighting to enhance safety. This program was expanded after a successful trial at select Melbourne police stations in 2022, where officers noted a decrease in thefts and robberies related to online transactions. During the six-month trial, these stations saw a regular flow of community members safely exchanging items, reducing incidents tied to online sales.
Victoria Police launched the Safer Exchange Sites in response to an increase in incidents involving theft, robbery, and assault linked to online trading. Mobile phones, in particular, have been a popular target in these crimes. Although such crimes lessened during the pandemic, the police were proactive in preventing a resurgence by establishing these monitored zones.
The concept of designated exchange sites has gained popularity worldwide, especially in the United States, where community feedback has shown that people feel safer exchanging items in areas with good lighting and security monitoring.
Commander Tim Tully remarked, “While the instances of assaults, thefts, and robberies tied to online exchanges remain relatively low, our aim is to keep them that way. With the growing popularity of online marketplaces, we’re taking a proactive approach to stop this emerging crime theme from becoming entrenched.”
Commander Tully also recommended meeting during daylight hours and bringing a friend for added security, even when using the designated zones.
24-hour Police Stations with Safer Exchange Sites include:
• Metropolitan: Werribee, Altona, Broadmeadows, Caulfield, Craigieburn, Dandenong, Fawkner, Melbourne East, Melbourne North, Melbourne West, Melton, Moonee Ponds, Moorabbin, Mooroolbark, Pakenham, Prahran, Richmond, St Kilda, and several others.
• Regional: Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Corio, Echuca, Geelong, Horsham, Maryborough, Mildura, Morwell, Swan Hill, and Warrnambool.
This initiative reflects a commitment to public safety as online buying and selling continue to rise.
