Perth Voice Interactive

A “SAFER” exchange could be on the cards for Stirling to provide a spot for people to trade goods sold online with less risk of being ripped off.

Deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale has proposed investigating “options to establish safer exchange sites within the City of Stirling, in public areas covered by city CCTV cameras to allow community members to safely exchange and trade goods bought online”.

With the popularity of online trading sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, there’s been some instances of robberies and assaults taking place during the offline portion of the deal. 

In 2022 Victoria Police ran a trial of safer trading zones outside police stations that were open 24/7, had good lighting, and were monitored by CCTV. 

The Victorian trial followed a couple of prominent incidents over east including a woman being dragged by a car after the supposed buyer grabbed the iPhone she was selling and tried to drive off.

Victoria Police claimed “thefts and robberies in the area from online sales decreased” during the six month trial, and last week they announced 35 safer exchange stations had been established outside police stations across the state. 

Cr Migdale’s idea will go to a vote at a future council meeting and if endorsed they’re expecting a report back to council by the end of March 25.

by DAVID BELL