Police issue selling safety warning

People are being urged to put their safety first when selling things these holidays. Image: NZ Police.

Now is usually the time when most people will be cleaning out the cupboards and looking to get rid of unwanted gifts, regretted purchases or just items that haven't been used.

New Zealand Police prevention national manager Superintendent Eric Tibbott is sharing his tips on how to sell things in a safe way.

"If you plan to sell your unwanted items, make sure you take care when doing so."

Police recommend the following safety tips when choosing a place to meet:

• Meet in a public, well-lit area or consider only trading in daylight hours.
• Trade near, or in front of, a known/working CCTV camera, in busy foot-traffic or perhaps by a Police station.
• Don't go to the transaction alone.
• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
• Don't go into someone else's house, and do not allow them into yours.
• Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items such as vehicles and jewellery.
• Only use cash to complete your transactions and never deposit money into a person's account without receiving the item first.
• Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam, it probably is.
• If somebody is not willing to come to a Safe Trade Zone, it is probably not a legitimate transaction.

"Call 111 in an emergency. We would rather attend to prevent a crime happening, than attend after an offence has occurred," says Eric.

"So remember, if something illegal is happening now, call 111. If it's already happened you can provide information via the Police non-emergency number 105."

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.