Image: South Gessner Division Police Station Photography by Roth Sheppard Architects
Online marketplaces have changed the way we buy and sell just about everything. From furniture and electronics to vehicles and clothing, apps and platforms that connect buyers and sellers have made it easier than ever to find a deal or make some extra cash. But that convenience comes with risk, and Captain Donovan Lee of HPD’s South Gessner Division wants Gulfton residents to know what to watch for.
“We’ve seen some upticks in robberies where people agree to meet up and then a robbery occurs at the meetup location,” Captain Lee explains. The scenario is simple and increasingly common: a buyer or seller arranges to meet a stranger in a parking lot, a side street, or even a home address, and what was supposed to be a quick transaction turns into a crime.
Use the South Gessner Station as Your Safe Exchange Zone
To help combat this trend, the South Gessner Division has set up designated safe transaction spaces in its station parking lot, complete with signage and camera coverage. Captain Lee encourages every resident to take advantage of it.
“If you’re reaching out to somebody and it’s a legitimate business, a legitimate purchase, they should have no issue doing the transaction in our parking lot,” he says. “It should give you a level of comfort and safety knowing that there are officers here, there are cameras here, and it brings some legitimacy to what you’re doing.”
The logic works both ways. If you suggest meeting at the station and the other person refuses, that’s a red flag. “If you are the one pushing to meet there and the person doesn’t want to meet you there, then you should probably listen to your spidey senses and not partake in the transaction,” Captain Lee advises.
If the Deal Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Beyond choosing a safe location, Captain Lee also urges residents to trust their instincts when it comes to pricing. “If you’re looking to buy a car for $50, there’s probably something up. If they’re selling a brand new phone in the box for $100, be mindful.” Unrealistically low prices are one of the most common lures used to draw victims into dangerous situations.
Tips for Safer Online Transactions
Whether you’re buying, selling, or trading, keeping a few habits in place can make a real difference:
Before you meet, do your homework. Check the person’s profile, read reviews if the platform offers them, and communicate through the app rather than giving out your personal phone number. If the person is pressuring you to move quickly, pay in an unusual way, or meet somewhere isolated, walk away.
Choose public, well-lit locations for every transaction. The South Gessner station parking lot at 7277 Regency Square Blvd is specifically set up for this, but any busy, well-monitored public space is better than a private address or empty lot.
Bring someone with you. There is safety in numbers, and a legitimate buyer or seller will not be bothered by you bringing a friend or family member along.
Meet during daylight hours whenever possible. If the transaction has to happen in the evening, make sure the location is well-lit and that someone knows where you are.
Trust your gut. If something feels off at any point — the person changes the meetup location, avoids answering basic questions, or pressures you to act quickly — cancel the transaction. No deal is worth your safety.
The South Gessner Division station is open and available for residents who want to use the parking lot for safe exchanges. Captain Lee’s message is straightforward: “Use our station. Use it. We’re part of the public. Come meet in our parking lot and make sure that you’re safe.”
The Gulfton Management District partners with HPD’s South Gessner Division to keep our community informed and safe. For more public safety updates, visit gulftondistrict.org or follow us on social media.