A rash of hotel robberies in Atlanta has visitors to the city on high alert and police searching for answers.
At least ten robberies have been reported at the Crowne Plaza Midtown on West Peachtree Street since September. Each victim reported locking their hotel room door. However, thieves continue to make their way inside while guests are sleeping, stealing valuables and money. One victim said he woke up to an unknown male wearing a mask and no shirt standing in his room. Last Sunday, Ajah Cottman says her credit cards were stolen as she slept in her room.
Security expert and CEO of Gridiron Protection, Parris Brooks, believes that a master key or duplicated key is being used to access guests’ spaces.
“They definitely need to perform a key audit,” she recommended.
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown issued a statement assuring the public that the hotel is working closely with law enforcement to solve the mystery behind the terrifying robberies. They also claimed that the hotel, which is average $150 per night, has 24-hour security, though that has done little to curb the thefts.
Another guest says after waking up following a night out, she discovered her bag with all of her money and belongings were missing. Hotel personnel eventually located her bag in a separate hotel room, but her belongings were still missing.
The victims are not pleased with the slow progress on the case.
“As much money as we spent staying there, you should feel secure,” Cottman said.
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown is not the only hotel that has experienced brazen heists this year. In April, a man staying at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel at 374 East Paces Ferry Road was beaten and robbed by five males who entered his hotel room around 6:00 a.m.
