EAST PROVIDENCE — In time for the holiday gift season the East Providence Police Department has announced the creation of a so-called "safe zone" at its headquarters on Waterman Avenue for on-line shoppers who may be concerned about their purchase or are seeking to ease their mind.

Authorized by Chief Christopher Parella, the program was devised by the EPPD Detectives Division. According to Detective Corporal Michael Spremulli, the idea of the "safe zone" is intended to prevent crime from taking place while offering consumers a location where they can more comfortably make their transactions.

"We're offering either our parking lot or the lobby. Both of those areas are well lighted and have security cameras," Det. Spremulli explained. "For example, if someone makes a purchase on 'Craig's List' but they're a little concerned they can set up the transaction to be done at the station. It's more likely that if someone is selling stolen goods or is committing fraud they're not going to show up to the police station, so we figured this would be a way of preventing some crimes before they're committed."

No appointments or phone calls to the EPPD are necessary. Det. Spremulli said consumers are welcome to use either the parking lot or lobby at any time. The program was initiated for the holiday season, but will remain in effect throughout the year.

"We figured we might as well offer this since if there is a crime committed we'd have to investigate it anyway," Det. Spremulli continued. "This way, we're giving people some piece of mind that they won't be the victim of fraud or a violent crime. They can come here and exchange either goods or money at the police station. It's a way of making people feel safer. And if by doing this we can help cut down crime in the city, it's worth it."