How one Perth council is making Facebook Marketplace exchanges safer

Perth Now

13-05-2025

The City of Stirling has rolled out a 12-month trial aiming to give people a safer place to exchange items purchased and sold online.
It intends to provide a more secure option for people using online selling platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, through having CCTV surveillance and passive public surveillance in a public space.
The site at 679 Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley was chosen as it was deemed the most suitable location without the need for 'significant investment'.
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The city believes the site has most of the key features for a good exchange location: free parking, accessible seating, good lighting, a public toilet and access to public transport.
Mayor Mark Irwin said this was an emerging safety issue that was only going to become more prominent. The Mt Lawley location was considered the most appropriate site for the trial. Credit: Google Maps
'A lot of people who use these online platforms are happy to make exchanges at their house or at someone else's house — and that's fine,' he said.
'A safer exchange site just gives members of our community another option and allows them to meet in a public place where they may feel more comfortable.
'If this trial is successful, we will look at the possibility of creating safer exchange sites in other areas of the city.'
Last year Victoria police created 35 exchange sites outside police stations after a trial in 2022.
There are currently no plans announced to replicate the Victorian model in WA, so this would be the first of its kind in the State.
The area is now fitted with signage and the city is encouraging community members and local businesses to share their feedback.
The trial was proposed by deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale and will run for 12 months from May 6, with support from WA Police.