LOWELL, MI -- After a Georgia couple was killed in what police describe as a Craigslist deal-gone-bad, a Kent County police agency is offering a way to make potentially dangerous transactions safer.

Lowell police this week announced that people looking to complete a Craigslist transaction can use the police station lobby as a meeting place.

"This will definitely weed out the bad guys trying to scam or harm the citizens of this fine community," according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

An Atlanta area husband and wife were shot after they connected on Craiglist with a man over possibly obtaining a 1966 Mustang. That man was charged Tuesday, Jan. 27, with murder and armed robbery.

Lowell police Chief Steve Bukala said offering the police lobby as a transaction site is a simple gesture. The lobby, 111 N. Monroe, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"I know people are leery of doing these transactions sometimes," he said. "So if they live in the Lowell area they can meet at the station. That puts both the buyer and seller at ease."

The Grand Rapids-area has seen several Craigslist-related crimes during merchandise sales, including a 2013 shooting that wounded two during a cell phone transaction in Plainfield Township.

Police advise buying or selling items in a public place and don't follow a last-minute change in plans.

E-mail John Tunison: jtunison@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/johntunison