Resources
REALTOR® Safety
Over the past few weeks, several reports of thefts and break-ins have reported all over the metro area during and after open houses and showings.
It appears that some criminals are posing as home seekers and visiting open houses/condos to stake out what items may be of value. Flat screen TVs have been reported stolen from condo models. In one incident, the front door was smashed, and the electric meter was pulled from the outside wall to cut the power and disable the security system.
Watch for suspicious behavior and weird questions that buyers normally would not ask. Some reported behaviors are:
• Refusing to sign in (even after the realtor explained the reason for signing in) although fake names are also common.
• Spending a significant amount of time looking at the property without asking about price or any other normal buying questions
• Asking if any other furnished models are available
• If someone looks at a porch or deck, make sure the door is locked and not left slightly ajar to give the appearance of being closed and locked. This tactic is used by criminals planning a later visit. Make sure all doors are locked when you leave.
These tactics may be an indication that criminals are staking the property for a later break in.
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do because you may have no certain idea if these individuals are up to no good or not. Not to mention, you don’t want to invite labiality by making a false accusation or offending a potential buyer. A more prudent course of action would be to get a good description of the suspicious individuals and copy their license plate number if possible.
Diversionary Tactics
Other agents have reported that criminals are using diversionary tactics. It was reported that one individual wanted to know the measurements of the master bath and asked the realtor if she had a tape measure in her purse or car. They opened every drawer including those in the model's furniture. The agent had diligently left her purse in a locked file cabinet.
A few weeks ago, a couple described as being Caucasian and in their mid-sixties visited several open houses and utilized numerous tactics attempting to distract the agent. The man complained that he was having a diabetic episode and asked the agent if she had any candy or sweets in her purse. In the agent’s attempt to attend to the man’s needs, the woman took a credit card from the agent’s purse. The agent did find the credit card in the driveway when the couple left abruptly. The same couple was reported at other open houses acting peculiar and again utilizing various tactics, attempting to distract the agent.
Another incident occurred when several individuals, described as younger 20 something Caucasians pretended to be separate home seekers, when actually, they were working together. While the first couple came through the open house, they distracted the agent while the next couple/group stole several valuables from the home.
The police were called in both incidents; however, we have not heard of any arrests.
It can be very difficult to keep your eye on everyone, especially if you’re being specifically targeted. Be sure to remind sellers to remove valuables and prescription drugs from medicine cabinets. NAR has provides the following safety for open house:
Open House Safety Tips
An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Stay safe by practicing these guidelines.
• Call the local police department and ask them to have a squad care drive by during your open-house hours.
• Check your cell phone’s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial. Carry an extra, fully charged cell phone battery.
• Determine several “escape” routes that you can use in case of an emergency. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.
• Turn on the lights and open the curtains. These are not only sound safety procedures, but also great marketing tactics.
• Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.
• When prospective buyers begin to arrive, jot down their car descriptions, license numbers and physical descriptions.
• When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don’t lead them. Say, for example, “The kitchen is on your left,” and gesture for them to go ahead of you.
• Notify a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to notify the police immediately.
• Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.
In order to promote REALTOR® Safety, the GMAR has teamed up with Police and Sheriff's Departments in the greater Milwaukee area to alert law enforcement professionals about any incidents involving REALTORS®.
If a serious safety incident occurs involving a REALTOR® the GMAR will immediately notify local police and county sheriff's departments to assist them in their efforts to apprehend suspects as well as to inform them of the types of incidents REALTORS® may be vulnerable to.
We encourage all REALTORS® to notify the GMAR of any safety related incidents as soon as possible so we can alert law enforcement authorities.
There are a number of internet-based applications to assist you in conducting a threat assessment:
- http://wcca.wicourts.gov - Wisconsin Circuit Court Access = Access to the Public Records of the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP)
- http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/ - Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry
- http://www.nsopr.gov/ - US Department of Justic National Sex Offender Public Website
- http://www.vinelink.com - VINELink, the Search Engine of the State DOC (Inmate Locator)
- www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp - A Federal Inmate Locator
There are also customizable forms below to help in creating office safety policies and guidelines.
NAR has created several Safety videos, below is REALTOR® Safety on the Job.
Cell Phone Safety
Fight or Flight
Know Your Local Safety Resources
Learn From Others' Experiences
Protect Your Personal and Electronic Information (Identity Theft)
Protect Yourself with a Distress Code System
Protect Yourself Against Dog Attacks
Protect Yourself with Self-Defense Skills
Protect Yourself with Smart Marketing Materials
Safeguard Your Purse, Your Wallet, Yourself
Safety at Home
Safety at the Office
Safety at Open Houses
Safety at Property Showings
Safety on the Road
Safety Scenarios
Showing and Managing Commercial Property
The 10-Second Rule
Form: Agent Identification
Form: Agent Itinerary
Form: Prospect Identification Form
Form: Safety Action Plan
NAR's Online Safety Course
Safety Resources
Share Safety Tips With Your Clients
