Victorians can now make online marketplace trades in dedicated safe zones outside dozens of police stations across the state.
Safer Exchange Sites have been permanently created at 35 round-the-clock police stations in metropolitan and regional areas, following a 2022 trial at stations across Melbourne's north-east.
The safe zones aim to provide a safe space with clear signage, good lighting and CCTV for buyers and sellers to carry out sales.
The trial found a decrease in thefts and robberies derived from online sales and saw success in the number of people using the safe zones to make trades.
Victoria Police commander Tim Tully said authorities wanted to get "on the front foot" to ensure assaults, thefts and robberies stemming from online exchanges don't become a crime trend.
"While the overall number of assaults, thefts and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don't want to see any occur," Tully said.
"While these sites are a safer alternative than meeting someone at your home or in a dimly lit area with no CCTV, we still encourage people to consider the risks of meeting a person they've never met before.
"Police suggest meeting during daylight hours if possible and bringing someone with you to the exchange."
Regional stations implementing the safe zones include Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Corio, Echuca, Geelong, Horsham, Maryborough, Mildura, Morwell, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.
Melbourne stations that will have dedicate exchange sites include Altona, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Dandenong, Fawkner, Melton, Moonee Ponds, Moorabbin, Mooroolbark, Pakenham, Prahran, Richmond, St Kilda and Werribee.
Heidelberg, Mernda, Mill Park and Preston stations, where the trials were originally facilitated, will also continue to offer the service.
The concept, which has been popular in the US for several years, was originally developed in Victoria after an increase in thefts, robberies and assaults link to online marketplace sales peaked in 2020.
