Police launched these zones after seeing an alarming increase in thefts, thefts and assaults linked to online marketplaces.

The increase in violent clashes in markets peaked in 2020, before COVID lockdowns, with police noting that smartphones were the most commonly stolen high-value item.

Earlier this year, detectives arrested two men who allegedly carried out an elaborate scam by attacking an unsuspecting woman.

Police say last month, a man and woman arranged to meet an unsuspecting Facebook seller.

The woman was selling a high-end designer handbag online, worth thousands of dollars.

Police learned that during the meeting, while the “buyer” was inspecting the bag, a man suddenly approached and assaulted the woman who was inspecting the item before stealing the purse and leaving. ‘run away.

In a cruel twist, police say the buyer and the man knew each other and the robbery was staged.

The two men then allegedly sold the bag and split the profits.

Commander Tim Tully said the use of online marketplaces had grown in popularity, with police determined to take the lead in ensuring an emerging crime theme did not become an integrated trend.

“While these sites are a safer alternative to meeting someone at your home or in a dimly lit area without CCTV, we still encourage people to consider the risks of meeting someone they have never met before” , said Commander Tully.

“Police suggest meeting during the day if possible and bringing someone with you to the exchange.”

The launch of these exchange sites follows a successful trial which began in mid-2022 at a number of 24-hour police stations in Melbourne’s north-east.

During the six-month trial, police found that people regularly swapped schedules and claimed that thefts and hold-ups linked to online sales in those areas had declined.