http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=492116
There was some debate about whether or not to include this story. It IS a home invasion story and it is NOT a case of criminal retribution.
When the escort arrived at his Minneapolis home, she didn't look like the woman in the picture that was listed with the on-line ad. Phillip says he opened the door anyway.
"I just saw flashes of people and faces and getting punched in the face," says Phillip.
According to police, at least four men rushed into Phillip's home. He was beaten to the point of needing 15 stitches. He also had two black eyes and a perforated ear drum. The burglars made off with his things.
Giving a stranger your address and inviting said stranger into your house is a risky activity. Hiring a prostitute is a high-risk activity. The victims in this story could have avoided becoming victims by obeying the law.
However, the lesson in this story applies to everyone purchasing items using any form of classified ad. You are giving your address to a stranger and inviting said stranger into your home. Take precautions. If you are selling a plasma TV online, the person coming over knows you probably have nice stuff worth robbing. Be careful.
This isn't an isolated incident.
Police say Phillip's story is one of five similar cases reported in Minneapolis in the last month of men becoming crime victims through craigslist. In two of the cases, the men arranged to meet the woman at an apartment in North Minneapolis. When they got there, they were assaulted and robbed by two men. Police say they have not made any arrests yet in any of the robbery and assault cases.
That's three home invasions and two ambush robberies in the last month. The story doesn't explicitly state it, but it definitely implies that all five were prostitution-related.
And finally, advice from the police that applies to everyone.
"If you're going to meet someone on craigslist meet them in a public place for the first time. Don't invite people to your house. Don't tell them where you live. Don't go to an unknown neighborhood and try to meet up with someone. Be a little bit careful. Use common sense."
Take care of yourselves.
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