Timmins Police create an area for people to make safe exchanges of things they buy online
The Timmins Police Service is welcoming people to conduct their online 'buy and sell' business in front of the Timmins Police Station.
Soon, a sign will be put up to show people where to park. It's a spot where police say people can feel safe as the exchanges will be captured on surveillance cameras.
“I believe every officer at this point has dealt with some sort of instance of fraud though either Kijji or buy and sell. It’s just the way the technology has evolved over time and this is the new crime and we need to stay on top of it in this manner," said Constable Joseph Depatie.
This gives one local man some relief. Barry Gutcher said when he saw a similar service was offered in North Bay, he suggested it to Timmins Police.
“I thought it was a good idea cause you can meet anybody on the internet, right, and you know, a safe place where people can meet to exchange things as opposed to your home-- it gives you your privacy.”
Officials said many people locally have been defrauded of money or goods and they want to prevent that.
“With the advent of COVID, people have entertained the idea of purchasing pets and the puppy fraud is very prominent in the Timmins area. The exact number of persons who’ve been defrauded is tough to determine because not all frauds are reported to the police,but nonetheless this is a common aspect of fraud.”
Depatie said people don't have to wait for the sign to be put up as the surveillance cameras are already working and the duty officer inside is also keeping an eye on the area.
He added that no appointment is necessary to conduct any exchanges and if anyone runs into any problems, the police are close by to help.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as explosions and loud noise reportedly heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes over western Iran without explanation early Friday as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic reported 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.