Winnipeg police have identified four newly-designated exchange zones throughout the city to improve and promote personal safety.

The zones, which are located at each of the four main Winnipeg police stations, will serve as a safe place for people who wish to conduct a legal buy or sell transaction.

For those using the zones, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) recommends that transactions are conducted during daylight hours when the stations are open to the public.

  1. Downtown - Police Headquarters Service Centre - 245 Smith Street (enter at Smith & Graham) - open 24 hours

  2. West - District 2 Service Centre - 2321 Grant Avenue - open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

  3. North - District 3 Service Centre - 260 Hartford Avenue - open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

  4. East - District 4 Service Centre and French Language Services Line - 1750 Dugald Road - open seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The zones, including parking lots, may be under video monitoring, and the WPS does not assume responsibility for the use of the areas, WPS Constable Tammy Skrabek, Public Information Officer advised.

It should also be noted that officers from the WPS will not be aiding with transactions, including monitoring, negotiation, or the completion of exchanges for anyone conducting a sale or purchase in the zones.

To ensure the item being purchased is not stolen, citizens are reminded that they are required to conduct property checks on their own when purchasing a product, including conducting a search on a products serial number.

Buy and sell exchanges that involve a weapon or illegal items are not allowed in these zones, and the WPS says that all suspected criminal activity should be reported.

Members of the public are reminded to exercise caution when purchasing or selling through online advertisements in any situation. Winnipeg police offered a number of tips for safety when conducting a sale through an online advertisement:

  • 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 - ensure that the background of your photos does not contain traces of personal information such as a home, vehicle, address, etc.
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is

More information on crime prevention can be found here.