Thunder Bay Police Service introduces new Safe Trade Zone

May 22, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service has launched a new initiative to help provide a safe option for people buying and selling through online marketplaces.

The Safe Trade Zone provides members of the public with designated parking spaces captured by video surveillance to complete person-to-person exchanges that had been arranged.

 

The Safe Trade Zone spaces at the police station provides users with an alternative to inviting strangers to their homes or potentially meeting in secluded areas, reducing the risk of thefts or robberies occurring.

 

The designated meeting place also helps sellers ensure they receive their expected funds. Cases of online fraud are particularly difficult to investigate. Repayment or reimbursement of lost funds is rare.

 

The idea was brought forward by police service members and proposed to senior leadership earlier this year where it received approval. The designated spaces were implemented this week.

 

The zone is accessible from the Balmoral Street entrance to the police station property and immediately to the right. Signage is in place marking the designated zone.

 

Cybercrime investigation leads to charges

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December 2025

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Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.

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