COLUMBUS, Ohio — Police say bigger events can attract sex traffickers. Because of that, Dublin police are on high alert this week with the Memorial Tournament underway.

What You Need To Know

  • Officials say the sex trafficking process starts online

  • According to the Human Trafficking Hotline Organization, Ohio had over 230 sex trafficking cases in 2021

  • Traffickers usually target those who are lonely, looking for friends
  • Police say those being trafficked might avoid eye contact, appear malnourished or physically abused
  • Law officials encourages parents to check their children's cellphones and social media 

 As Ohioans kick off the summer season, Deputy Chief Greg Lattanzi with Dublin Police warns of the dangers of sex trafficking

He said that in many cases, the process starts online.

“From our experience, a lot of times those meetings and the promotion of that type of activity is all occurring through either social media websites or online based websites where individuals can post services online for that type of activity,” said Lattanzi. 

According to the Human Trafficking Hotline Organization, Ohio had over 230 sex trafficking cases in 2021. Traffickers usually target those who are lonely, looking for friends or struggling with some sort of addiction.

“So folks who become addicted to alcohol, drugs, or they're looking for money,” said Lattanzi. “You have the trafficker that is filling that void for that person and taking control over them, and that leads into the trafficker, then utilizing them in the prostitution.”

While people who are being trafficked might avoid eye contact, appear malnourished or physically abused, Lattanzi said traffickers themselves don’t have a specific look. It's important to focus more on their behaviors.

“There is no particular look, but if you have somebody that's coming into the hotel and they're renting a room for a short period of time, or hotel staff is seeing frequent foot traffic in and out of a hotel room and people staying in that hotel room for a short amount of time to call us here at the police department or call your local police department and let them investigate to see what activity may be occurring in that room,” said Lattanzi. 

Latanzi said that the best thing anyone can do is say something if you see something.

“If you feel like something doesn't seem right, don't wait until after something happens to call. Please reach out to your local police department,” said Lattanzi. 

Lattanzi also encourages parents to check their Children's cell phones and social media and inquire about new friends.

If you see someone that looks like they’re being trafficked, you're encouraged to call your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.