This scenario easily could have turned out much worse for this female agent. Rape, abduction, murder could have followed this robbery. So actually this agent was lucky in a way only losing her purse and some personal belongings.
But this robbery is a reminder to amp up your security, especially when showing or previewing vacant homes. This home was supposedly vacant for several years. Maybe the robber was local and knew that, or maybe he just spotted an opportunity as he was passing by, or maybe both. He could have even set the agent up by calling and requesting a showing?
In addition to reporting to someone else where you would be, and what time you should be back, what else could this agent have done to protect herself? Of course, carry a weapon or pepper spray if legal to do so, but other things she could have done would be (1) Back her car in if safe to do so, then stay in car with doors locked for a few minutes. (2) Always walk around vacant homes and check for kiccked in doors and broken windows. Look for anything that would indicate someone has been entering home. (3) before she got out of car, call and let her safety contact know she is at the property. (4) Even call and keep someone on the phone while entering the house. (5) As soon as you enter, lock doors behind you. Walk through house slowly to verify no one else is inside. If you sense something is wrong, just leave. (6) Some area police depts do not mind if agents call them and ask them to meet them at vacant homes to do security checks. (7) If you're good with video, consider mounting a camera in your car to film yourself entering the house. Of course that won't do you any good if robber steals your car. (8) Always carry a heavy flashlight when showing vacant homes. It can be used as a weapon. Even if you don't want to hit the robber with it, you can throw it through a window to attract attention.
Anyone have any safety ideas or precautions this agent could have taken that might have stopped this robbery from happening?
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/03/real-estate-agent-robbed-in-vacant-maryland-home-101466.html
"Dancers"
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Jeff Pearl / Lic in VA
Remax Distinctive - McLean VA
703-727-4876
Homes / Land / Farms / Historic
Equal Housing
Comments(9)