WESLACO – A recent rise in robberies prompted several Rio Grande Valley cities to set up safe meeting spots.

Local resident Mario Hernandez says buying and selling things online can be dangerous.

He says he has heard of horror stories of meeting online sellers in person; which is why he meets in a public space.

"For example, the most practical way is to meet at a public place, a restaurant, a place with a lot of people so they can feel secure and more comfortable," says Hernandez.

However, even meeting in public spaces can be dangerous.

Alamo Police Department Community Outreach Officer Jacob Garcia says they’re trying to take some of the danger away with community safety zones

He says the zone is under video surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The surveillance cameras are monitored 24/7 and of course if they see anything out of the ordinary they alert the office,” says Garcia.

He says he hopes these safety lots can crack down on crime when it comes to meeting people in person.

For more information watch the video above.