Queen Anne’s Sheriff’s Office offers “safe place” for transactions

After a recent tragedy in Georgia, where an elderly couple was found murdered days after meeting up a seller from Craiglist, local law enforcement are implementing an idea that could potentially keep residents on the Eastern Shore safe.

The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office is offering their parking lot and office lobby as a “safe place” for transactions. According to Sheriff Gary Hofmann, predators and scam artists are less likely to prey on victims when they arrange to meet in public, especially when the meeting place is a Sheriff’s Office.

“I think they know they’re going to be under surveillance. I think they also know that everyone has cameras but I think that it makes the transaction a lot safer because if it’s a legitimate transaction, why wouldn’t they come to a police department’s parking lot to go ahead and complete this?” Explains Sheriff Hofmann.

There have not been any Craigslist murders in Queen Anne’s County, but Sheriff Hofmann says there have been other crimes sparked by online advertisements. Back in December 2013, a victim was assaulted after meeting up with somebody introduced through a Craiglist’s personal ad. This crime is still under investigation, so very few details have been released.

To prevent future situations, he’s urging residents to take precaution, starting with where transactions take place.

“I think this will help us identify possible suspects if something like that occurs, but it’ll actually keep the victims safer.” Says Sheriff Hofmann.

Authorities say this program is not only for Queen Anne’s County residents.

They’re asking anyone who schedules transactions at the sheriff’s office to contact the duty office at 410-758-0770 prior to their arrival.