Man claims he was drugged at Buckhead bar before being robbed

ATLANTA - A man is out thousands of bucks after he says he was drugged at a Buckhead bar last month and then kidnapped and robbed.

The Atlanta Police Department is looking into several similar cases.

"I don't remember ever leaving the bar, I don't remember talking to anyone," one of the victims told FOX 5.

What was supposed to be a fun night on the town in Buckhead last month turned out not to be for one man who says he was drugged at a bar, kidnapped and then robbed.

"The only memory I have is a very vague memory of being in the back of a car and I remember my phone not on me, and I was like, that's really weird," he said.

A man reported to the police that his phone and wallet were gone, along with items like his Rolex watch and ring after a night out at a Buckhead bar. (Supplied)

The man in his mid-20s, who we are not identifying for safety reasons, says he was bar hopping for a friend's birthday. When he woke up the next morning, he reported to the police that his phone and wallet were gone, along with items like his Rolex watch and ring. He says the crook did not just take his credit and debit cards but used them too.

"Everyone drinks, everyone goes out with friends and has fun and lets their guard down, but that shouldn't be some kind of invitation for someone to take complete advantage of you," he said.

This concerning crime does not appear to be isolated. FOX 5 has obtained a number of Atlanta police reports of high-value thefts after leaving several well-known Buckhead bars since 2021.

FOX 5 has obtained a number of reports from the Atlanta Police Department about high-value thefts after leaving several well-known Buckhead bars since 2021. (Supplied)

According to the reports, crooks stole hundreds if not thousands from them, in some cases using mobile payment apps.

While most do not mention being drugged and kidnapped, some do.

Atlanta police say many bars in the area hire off-duty police officers to deter crime.

A man says he was drugged at a Buckhead bar last month and then kidnapped and robbed. (FOX 5)

"It's very clear that there's something going on in the Buckhead bars," he said.

APD says it is taking this seriously and investigators have an arrest warrant for a suspect. The victim has now moved out of Buckhead. He says APD needs to warn others about these crimes.

"I don't feel safe in Buckhead," the victim said.

A man who says he was drugged at a Buckhead bar, kidnapped and then robbed.

Atlanta Police released tips to keep yourself safe when out drinking:

• Drink with friends and ensure your friend group stays together and looks out for one another.
• Pay close attention to your drink throughout the night. Never leave your drink unattended.
• If you see someone tampering with your drink, stop drinking and call the police as soon as possible.
• Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings. If you see criminal activity, report it. Especially drink tampering.
• Consider leaving valuables at home. If you will be drinking to the point where you will be impaired, have a plan for protecting your valuables and ensuring no one takes advantage of your impaired state.
• Have a plan for how you will get to and from the location.
• Let someone know where you will be.
• Ensure a password is needed to access financial apps on your phone.