From the Prattville Police Department
Prattville, Alabama
Recently, we’ve been contacted about a trending/“viral” TikTok video in which someone claims that human traffickers have been targeting a family member by leaving zip ties on their vehicle. The premise is that traffickers will use this tactic to either identify potential victims for other traffickers or serve as a distraction for potential victims to be kidnapped when they stop to investigate. Similar claims of coins in door handles or fake $100 bills, blank pieces of paper or flyers placed under windshield wipers being used have been made in the past. Supposedly this has been seen in Prattville, but nothing has been reported to us (possibly went straight to social media).
First and foremost, these methods are not being observed or reported to law enforcement in masse, especially in this area (posting on random FB groups does not count as reporting to law enforcement). Human traffickers will generally use social media or dating apps to begin a grooming process to gain a potential victim’s trust into meeting them somewhere out of public view. Commercial sex websites (not naming them here, but you know what we’re talking about) and solicitation of prostitution are also a frequent way traffickers find victims as well and often act as a gateway to human trafficking. Human trafficking IS a problem in our country, especially in our area due to the I-65/I-85 interchange, but not as pervasive as many may think. Even so, people need to be aware of what to look for or how to protect themselves for any kind of potential safety issue or threat.
Truth be told, the “trend” in this TikTok video and many other like it are most likely Internet rumor or urban legends, designed to either pass on false information for shock value or gain notoriety (shocker…I know). This is not to say that random pieces of paper or zip ties being used for nefarious purposes isn’t possible, it just isn’t something law enforcement are observing. As always, be mindful of your surroundings, especially if traveling alone at night, and follow some basic tips:
– Keep your eyes forward and out of your phone as you walk to your car
– Make sure to park in well-lit and populated areas
– If you do see anything on your car that you know you didn’t put there (other than a parking ticket), wait until you are in a populated place to remove it or contact law enforcement to look into it.
– Call for help if you feel uncomfortable walking to your vehicle after dark. PPD will gladly come to where you are to make sure you get home safely.
– Parents, talk to your children about personal safety about this topic…both men and women can be targets for human trafficking
If you or someone you know is or may be a victim of human trafficking, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-788 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BeFree) for help. You can also visit their website https://humantraffickinghotline.org for more information and tips as well.
#besafetyaware #PPD #PrattvilleAlabama #humantraffickingawareness
