January 7, 2026 – With the holiday season over, many residents are turning to online marketplaces to sell gifts and other items they no longer need. To help ensure these transactions are safe, the Decatur Police Department is offering a secure location for buyers and sellers to meet.
The Safe Exchange Zone is located in the well-lit parking lot of the Decatur Police Department at 101 South Water Street. The zone is under 24-hour video surveillance and is monitored regularly by officers, providing a secure environment for transactions arranged through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and other e-commerce sites.
Officials remind residents to always exercise caution when meeting strangers for online transactions. The Safe Exchange Zone is intended to reduce the risk of scams, theft, or personal harm during these exchanges. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to complete all transactions during daylight hours, avoid conducting business inside vehicles, and confirm all payment details before handing over merchandise.
This initiative is part of the Decatur Police Department’s ongoing effort to support community safety while adapting to the growing popularity of online marketplaces. Residents interested in using the Safe Exchange Zone do not need to schedule an appointment; however, they should park within the designated area marked for exchanges.
For more information about the Safe Exchange Zone or other safety tips for online transactions, residents can contact the Decatur Police Department at 217-424-2711 or visit their website at www.decaturil.gov/police.
