For all the conveniences that an online marketplace such as Craigslist can provide consumers, it comes coupled with an element of danger because buyers and sellers are anonymous.

The Dartmouth Police Department, in a bid to erase those feelings of insecurity, has designated the police station as a safe haven for transactions. The new program, the Designated Area for Trade and Resale (DART), allows residents to meet at the police station for exchanges. There is no fee or charge for the service.

Detective Kyle Costa said there are two options to make a transaction at the police station. Residents can either make an exchange from the station’s parking lot or they can enter the lobby of the police station and make a transaction there.

The Police Department asks that if residents do use the parking lot for this purpose, they do not block the flow of traffic.

“If they come into the lobby, all we ask is that they check in at the desk to let the dispatchers know why they’re there,” said Costa.

The idea for the program initially started when Officer Sean McGuire vacationed in Florida a few months ago. While there, McGuire read an article from a local newspaper about a police station that had established a safe haven program.

Costa said the idea was set aside for awhile, but was brought up again after he read an article about a robbery that happened elsewhere in the state. The robbery was a result of an exchange over Craigslist.

Before going through with the program, Acting Chief Robert Szala told Costa to have the community weigh in on the subject. Costa proposed the idea through the Dartmouth Police Department’s Facebook page, which has more than 2,600 followers.

“We were bombarded with positive responses. I haven’t heard a negative comment from anybody,” said Costa.

The original Facebook post, dated Aug. 26, received more than 100 comments, was “liked” more than 300 times and was shared 75 times. Even Select Board member Frank Gracie commented, writing that he would share information about the program at the next Select Board meeting if it were to become official.

With an overwhelmingly positive response, the police department established the DART program the next day.

“If you want to bring a lamp to the station tonight and sell it, have at it,” said Costa.

Costa said Facebook has been an asset for the department, giving officers a link to the community. He said they can use the page to inform the public of traffic detours, and he’s even received several tips through the social media site.

“It’s thinking out of the box,” said Select Board chair Shawn McDonald, speaking after the program was implemented. “Our police department is great social media-wise. It’s a good sign. They know the trends. They’re not just sitting back and reacting. They’re proactive and community oriented.”

Lisa Santos, owner of The Thirsty Crow jewelry store, said her husband, Mark, frequently buys and sells over Craigslist. At times, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for her.

“My husband was going into a sketchy part of New Bedford, and he was going to purchase something, so I knew he had a lot of cash with him,” said Santos. “When he got there, I told him to call me and stay on the cellphone with me.”

She said she’s heard horror stories of people being mugged while making a transaction and hopes that people who are making an exchange where there’s a lot of money involved will take advantage of the new program.