Thieves Target Homes for Sale
When the unemployment level is high or the economy is sluggish, thefts from homes for sale tend to increase. The favorite targets for thieves are vacant properties including, especially, foreclosures. Vacant foreclosures are preferred because the previous owners are gone and it is less likely that someone knows or cares what personal property is missing.
When your washing machine is not working or the refrigerator dies, and there is no available money, it is easy to get what is needed from a vacant home. It is not unusual to see missing appliances and air conditioning compressors. Sometimes, the light fixtures and hot water heater are also gone.
I purchased a nice home at a trustee sale and before settlement, the appliances and the kitchen cabinets were removed and the house was trashed. The police found the missing items and identified the thief as a drug dealer. He told the police that the previous owner told him he could take the stuff. No criminal action was taken. And, do you think I was going to file a civil action against a drug dealer?
A different kind of thief works occupied homes that are for sale. It is easy to pose as prospective home buyers at open houses where identity is seldom verified. The distracted agent does not even see the search for drugs, jewelry and credit cards. Many agents will show homes in response to a simple phone call. One person stays with the agent while the other person searches for items to steal or unlocks a window or door for easy entry a little later.
Some of the thefts are not even noticed and a high percentage of them are never reported to the police. Real estate professionals and home owners need to be alert and take security precautions that will make it more difficult for thieves.
What is your most interesting story about personal property being stolen from a home for sale?
Dahlia, Brookside Gardens, Dahlia Show IMG_7154
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
Comments (22)Subscribe to CommentsComment