Dozens of real estate agents took part in a safety seminar Wednesday morning, many of them turning out because of a recent attack.

Just last month a realtor was sexually assaulted while showing a man a house in Cary.

Police have charged Michael Sleeman, 33, with first degree kidnapping and first degree forcible sex offense.

The seminar focused on safety in situations just like that one.

More than 50 realtors took careful notes and paid close attention to personal safety specialist Leigh Woody.

"Some of it was scary; some of it was intimidating because you don't want to think about being in that type situation," said Suzanne Burton, a realtor with Century 21. "But it could happen, so I'd rather be prepared."

It's something the entire real estate industry here in the Triangle has taken note of since last month.

"We're a pretty close industry, so the news travelled very quickly," said Rachel Wiest, Vice President of Operations for Triangle MLS.

Multiple Listing Service already organized one safety forum this year, but decided to do another after last month's attack.

"I'd say we had about twice as many people today as the last time," said Wiest.

"It just laid on our mind that we want to be able to make sure that we were completely safe being realtors," said Burton.

Wednesday's seminar focused on two things: making yourself seem like a risky target to would-be attackers and always being aware of your surroundings.

"Imagine you're going out to show a property; they've got a hedge of red tips all the way down the driveway. Beautiful bushes right beside the porch. Be aware of that," said Woody. "Keep them trimmed back real low so that you don't make a place for him to hide."

Experts say realtors should avoid showing homes by themselves, should always let others know who they're showing a home to and should walk away if something doesn't feel right.