Rochester police are offering a new tool to keep consumers safe when completing transactions that start online.

The lobby and parking lot of the Police Department are now designated “safety zones” where buyers and sellers are encouraged to conduct business arranged through online forums such as Craigslist.

Police Chief Paul Magee said a couple of robberies prompted the move.

“We want to prevent that in the future instead of waiting and reacting to crimes,” Magee said.

A Mattapoisett man was robbed of hundreds of dollars of cash at a New Bedford housing project after he arranged to purchase a dirt bike.

This summer, a Rochester man also travelled to New Bedford looking to sell an ATV. Instead of making a sale the vehicle was stolen.

Magee said the safety zone would discourage similar incidents.

“We are giving people a public place to make these transactions that is well lit, video recorded and open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week,” Magee said. “And if something goes wrong they can get help quickly.”

Magee said those using the safe zone are not required to notify police before a meeting.

Police will not become involved with transactions or verify if a sale is legitimate.

“We are just offering a safe place for some one to go rather than heading to a stranger’s place or inviting someone you’re not familiar with into your home,” Magee said.

For more information on the safe zone, call Sgt. Robert Small at 508-763-5112.