I was writing a blog post on my Outside Blog about an article in today's Washington Post about a "father/son" team that went to a bunch of Open Houses and pilfered the home owner's jewelry and took it to local pawn shops to unload it. 

Due to some good police work and getting the word out within the local Realtor community, the Open House thieves have been caught.  The Alexandria (VA) police are still seeking additional victims of the Open House thefts in order to wrap this case up.  You can find the phone number of the Detective on the case here.

This really brings to mind the dangers of Open Houses in the Internet Age. Most people can find all the information they want about a house on numerous websites complete with Virtual Tours. On top of that, a good buyer's agent can provide you with your very own, personal tour of any house at your convenience. You don't have to wait until Sunday to go.

Honestly, I've never quite figured out why people want to advertise to the world "I'm not home. The door is open. Come on in!"  Jewelry isn't the only thing.  Prescription drugs, crystal, sentimental keepsakes.  All of it is available for the taking.

In my book, if you want to let your neighbors know you're selling your house and you would like them to take a look at it, throw a party.  Heck, I may even throw it for you.  Just make sure you're there, too...and your valuables are in a safe place.