Realtor Safety Alert: Disturbing Encounters with Foot-Touching Suspect

Recent Incidents Raise Concerns for Tampa Bay Female Realtors

In Pinellas County, Florida, a troubling trend has emerged involving a man who allegedly targets female real estate agents during home showings, specifically to inappropriately touch their feet. More than seven women have come forward with similar accounts, highlighting the urgent need for increased safety measures within the industry.

The Unsettling Encounters

Female agents are reporting a pattern of behavior from a man who manages to infiltrate open houses and private showings. Using fabricated tour bookings, he gets close to his targets to engage in inappropriate contact. One realtor, Angela Julian, recounted her experience:

"He bends down and starts unbuckling my shoe and caressing my foot. It was really weird… I think he was trying to take some type of video of my skirt. It was really alarming."

These incidents have been documented since July of last year and continue to occur, leaving many women feeling violated and vulnerable.

Exploiting Public Information

Les Hein, owner of Tampa Home Photos and a local realtor group moderator, expresses concern over the man’s tactics:

"He is searching Zillow and using publicly available information to locate agents, and that is concerning."

Vulnerability in Open Houses

The nature of open houses—often crowded and lacking strict vetting—makes realtors particularly susceptible to such incidents. Les Hein warns:

• Up to 30 people can attend an open house: This makes it challenging to monitor interactions.
• Publicly accessible information: Agents need to consider how much personal information they share online.

Safety Recommendations for Realtors

In light of these troubling encounters, local realtors are taking proactive steps to enhance their safety. Here are some practical tips being shared among agents:

• Use the Buddy System: Always have a colleague accompany you to showings or open houses.
• Basic Protective Tools: Carry pepper spray or an emergency device.
• Firearm Safety: If choosing to carry a firearm, be sure to practice safety and familiarization.

Angela Julian emphasizes the need for basic emergency tools:

"Have pepper spray or something you can grab in an emergency to protect yourself."

Law Enforcement Guidance

Reports of these incidents have prompted local police engagement. Clearwater police confirmed a similar complaint from September but noted that no charges had been filed at that time. Officials advise:

"If someone behaves inappropriately, or if this individual shows up at your listing, get to safety immediately and call 911."

Conclusion: Staying Aware and Alert

As these unsettling stories spread, Tampa Bay realtors hope that increased awareness will deter the suspect from targeting more women. Recognizing signs of suspicious behavior and knowing how to respond can be vital in preventing further incidents.

To all female realtors: Stay vigilant, practice safety measures, and support one another in this shared effort to maintain a safe work environment. Your safety is paramount, and proactive steps can help mitigate risks while allowing you to thrive in your business.