In lieu of recent crimes involving Craigslist sales, including the alleged murder of a Georgia couple last month, Upper Perk Police have designated their parking lot as a safe meeting spot for internet transactions.

        Police announced Wednesday they want the public to feel free to use the location at 88 W. 6^th Street in Pennsburg as a meeting spot for online buying and selling.

        "By allowing the use of the Upper Perk Police parking lot as a safe haven, we believe that our residents will feel safer and hopefully this will help deter potential criminal acts from occurring during their transactions," said Sgt. F. Robert Seville.

        Authorities said it is well documented that theft, fraud and other crimes, some violent, can occur during the meets.  Seville said the location has surveillance cameras and encouraged the public to utilize it instead of agreeing to meet at their homes or even in other public parking lots, which could involve more risk. 

        Upper Perk Police said the parking lot is open for those transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week but encouraged the public to conduct them during daylight hours.

        Authorities ask residents to be wary of doing business with people who are not willing to meet on the police department property.