The attacks on two real estate agents in St. Petersburg last week raised safety concerns among real estate agents across the country.

Agents who work in Central Florida are taking precautions to stay safe.

Kace Ellers said he believes working as a real estate agent is making him more of a target for criminals.

“They assume as agents we have access to money, or we make a certain level of income. So they try to use us to steal, and it is very scary,” said Ellers, who works for Kelly Price & Company in Winter Park.

Just last week, two real estate agents in St. Petersburg were robbed in separate attacks. One of them was tied up while her attacker demanded a ransom of $50,000. Luckily neither were hurt, and police arrested their accused attacker after nearly a week of searching for him.

The attacks prompted the Orlando Regional Realtor Assocation to send out alerts to realtors.

“It’s always been a concern, but even more so since all of this came to light,” said Sharon Voss, the president of Orlando Regional Realtor Association.

After the high-profile murder of Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter last year, the association began offering more safety classes. ORRA also suggests realtors do background checks on clients. And they advise realtors take steps to ensure safety while showing homes.

“Especially if it’s a vacant house, I’ll let them in and I’ll stand outside and let them preview it. And then if they have any questions I’ll meet them outside with the questions,” said Voss.

Ellers said many real estate agents are now carrying weapons and taking self-defense courses. His real estate firm has implemented a system of checking in, so that everyone knows where agents are at all times.

“What we decided was the best idea is to have a constant communication with the staff here at the office. If there’s someone who gives you that bad vibe, listen to it. Have them meet you at the office. Take someone with you. We are starting to go in twos now if we just get that gut feeling,” said Ellers.

They are safety precautions real estate agents plan to keep in place for good.

“It’s just a sign of the times,” said Voss.