Sgt. Monique Baker at Yesterday’s news conference at Sault OPP Detachment

Making online property transactions safer is the idea behind a police initiative that was introduced yesterday morning at the OPP’s detachment headquarters in the Sault.
The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a community safety zone at the OPP detachment parking lot on Great Northern Road to facilitate online property transactions—two parking spots at the front of the detachment building have been designated and are marked with signage.
Sergeant Monique Baker introduced the project to local reporters…

She talked about the number of local incidents in which such transactions led to criminal acts…

Sergeant Baker added only 5% of internet and telephone scams and thefts are reported because victims feel ashamed or embarrassed and they don’t want to be known as a victim.
Online classified and auction sites are often used as tools to sell stolen property to unknowing victims and can present a safety threat.
The Sault OPP is the first detachment in the northeast region to launch this safety initiative.