Targeting lone female Realtors
Akron, Ohio real estate agents are being warned by local police of a man that is seeking to sexually assault female Realtors. According to Fox 8 News, the man who goes by “Wayne Martin” calls women Realtors to set up an appointment to view a listing, but says he can only meet after dark. He also reportedly shows up at the end of open houses in an effort to find a female Realtor alone.
Authorities say he is described as a 54 year old white male, is 200 pounds and is balding with reddish-brown hair. Akron detectives tell Fox 8 that this description of the man targeting local agents matches that of a man who was charged with attempted abduction and gross sexual imposition in January, 2010, served one year in prison and was released in July of this year.
Officials urge agents not to meet with anyone they have not met previously. Realtor safety experts typically advise not to go on appointments alone, and mobile safety apps are being used by a rising number of brokerages to track their agents and monitor safety.
