The clerk gave the men a room key after they identified themselves as police
SOUTH PLAINFIELD -- Two men posed as police officers to gain access to a hotel room and then robbed a prostitute early Saturday, authorities said.
Police are looking for two men they say robbed the occupants of a motel room in South Plainfield last week. The pair answered an ad on classified advertising website Backpage before showing up at the Red Carpet Inn shortly before 4 a.m., South Plainfield Det. Joe Indano said.
When no one answered the door to the room, the duo went to the lobby, where they identified themselves as undercover police officers from the "criminal investigations department, " according to Indano. The men then asked the clerk for a key to a specific room.
They entered the room and stole an unknown amount of cash without displaying a weapon, police said. The occupant of the room fled.
Police suspect the robbery are targeting women advertising "nefarious activity" on Backpage.
Anyone with information can contact Indano or Det. Tony Pacillo at (908) 226-7663.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.