WINNIPEG – Winnipeg Police have just instituted a very smart effort to increase public safety for individuals doing buy and sell online sales or trades.
In an effort to promote personal safety, the Winnipeg Police Service has initiated buy and sell exchange zones at each of the four main Winnipeg police stations. Persons conducting legal buy and sell transactions are invited to attend the designated zones to make the exchanges.
Buy and Sell zones can be found on our website. https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/TakeAction/buy_and_sell.stm
The Winnipeg Police Service recommends that transactions take place during daylight hours when the stations are open to the public.
Persons attending to Winnipeg Police Services Buy and Sell zones, including the parking lots, may be subject to video monitoring. The Winnipeg Police Service does not assume responsibility for the use of Buy and Sell zones.
Officers will not assist with transactions; including the monitoring, negotiation, or completing of exchanges for anyone. Citizens are required to conduct property checks on their own; serial numbers can be searched at
Exchanges involving weapons or illegal items are not permitted. Suspected criminal activity should be reported to the police.
Members of the public are reminded to use caution when purchasing items through online advertisements.
Winnipeg Police offers the following crime prevention tips:
• Ask for a photo of the serial number before meeting and attempt to confirm the item hasn’t been reported stolen.
• Don’t provide your personal information to anyone.
• Buying or selling – take screenshots of the advertisement and ID number, the seller’s contact information, and all communications.
• Check the buyer/seller’s name through an online search engine.
• Take only enough cash with you to pay for the item being purchased
• Ask about the history of the item being sold.
• Meet during daylight hours, in a public space.
• Do not transfer/provide money to the person before receiving the product.
• Do not meet someone alone.
• Do not give our personal or banking information.
• Use generic photos when posting an item for sale.
• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.