Completing online transactions in-person can have certain risks, so Howard County police have created the "Transaction Safe Place" program to designate secure meeting spots for residents outside its northern and southern district stations.After buying or selling items online, residents can now meet in the parking lots of the Ellicott City Northern District Station, 3410 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, or the Laurel Southern District Station, 11226 Scaggsville Road in Laurel, where two parking spaces are designated transaction areas. Each spot is marked with yellow signs, said spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn, and the area is visible on the police station video surveillance. Residents can also use the main lobby inside.Surveillance video is recorded outside the police stations at all times, but Llewellyn said residents should consider daytime hours for transactions. No officers will be present for the exchanges.Police have provided the following tips for residents after arranging a meet to exchange items: Don't agree to meet anyone who refuses to do so at a police station or other public location; never use your home as a meeting location; arrange sales during daylight hours only and don't go to the meeting location alone; and insist on using cash instead of personal checks.