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Interesting Vacant Staged Home Burglary Story

I had never considered that staged vacant homes could be the target of a burglary. According to an article from a San Francisco area, it can be a problem. Burglars know that a house is for sale and vacant. There is beautiful furniture inside. They back up a truck and haul it all out. I suspect that even the neighbors might just assume that this is all part of the moving process.

Anybody here ever had this happen?

Posted by Teri B. Clark on 05/26/2007 09:57 AM

Comments (13)

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13 Comments on Interesting Vacant Staged Home Burglary Story

MAY

2007

I have not heard of that one here, but it sure does make sense. Burglars thrive on chaos and, often when a home is being sold various vehicles and trucks are in and out -- inspectors, HVAC, numerous realtors. The neighbors would probably become immune to all that and not even think about the furniture going away again. It would take nerve on the part of the burglars but you hear of them clearing out people's residences in broad daylight. A vacant home would be even more vulnerable.

I have wondered how frequently this happens. If someone shows up at a vacant house and looks like a mover, or at least like they belong, chances are that no one will even take notice of what is going on inside.

The possibility of burglary is another reason not to advertize that a vacant home is staged. Why let thieves know that here's an unoccupied home that's full of lovely furnishings?

No, but we are seeing vacant houses have the a/c unit stripped of copper components that can be sold for scrap.

Hi Teri, one of the high-end homes I staged was burglarized. Fortunately the took only the appliances, but it got me to thinking about my stuff. My homeowners covers it, less the deductible. But having to shop for all that stuff again would be a head ache.

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

Yes, I have heard of this happening. I don't put a Staging sign out either anymore. Just the fact the home was broken into and your things taken would be tough to fathom.

MAY

2007

Teri,

I have not heard of this in my area either, I agree with Terry what a nightmare it would be to replace it all :(

MAY

2007

Never heard of it, but with theft of everything lately it doesn't surprise me what people will steal to support a meth habit.

Teri, one of my staging friends had this happen. Thieves cleaned out everything in the vacant she had staged - her furniture and accessories as well as the appliances. She is now insured with a policy to cover theft. We have had small things taken from homes we've staged, but nothing on the scale she experienced. Betty

For those that don't put out a staging sign anymore - is this just true for vacants? I would think a staging sign in an occupied home would still be ok. What do all of you think?

Thanks for the insight - something I had not seriously considered before. Although I was ready to put out my sign and business cards in a vacant property, I am not so sure I want to do so after reading your blog.

MAY

2007

Cheryl-Anne....that is what I wondered, too. However, once they are inside due to an open house or whatever and see the furniture, if they are crooks, they already know what is there. If they aren't, a business card won't hurt anything!

Teri - so right, if the property is going to be burgled, it will be burgled anyway. I have insurance for my items and the rented furniture is also insured. Might as well provide my advertising regardless.

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