The sun has faded into darkness, a carload of thieves cruise through an unsuspecting neighborhood. They can easily spot vacant property. The lawn is not mowed, the bushes are not trimmed, and it’s dark inside. Now they are looking for an easy way to break in.
A vacant home gives clues that it is abandoned. If it’s a short sale, the property has probably been without occupants for a while. Vandals and thieves can sniff out these homes easily. More of them are on the prowl as the number of short sales rises. Most of these homeowners have moved out and no one is watching the property.
Even in the nicest neighborhoods, short sale homes are attracting vandals. They will sneak in, turn the place upside down and destroy it by breaking windows, making holes in walls and spray painting. Thieves are a big problem, too. They are looking to steal anything that’s not secured down and will run off with appliances, fixtures and more. Smart thieves research the short sale homes that have been on the market for a long time and are most likely deserted.
Popular Stolen Items:
- Appliances
- Plumbing and lighting fixtures
- Kitchen cabinets
- Tubs and sinks
- Air conditioning and heating units
- Water heaters
- Copper piping
The damage caused by vandals and thieves is significant. It can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars in repairs from the loss of stolen items and restoration to increased homeowners insurance and expensive security measures. Homeowners who don’t have the cash for the fixes are forced to lower the price of the home. Some insurance policies don’t cover vandalism for an abandoned property.
What to do?
Keep them out! Improving the barriers to all possible entrances is the most effective, cost-efficient solution. DAWGS provides steel barriers to doors and windows that will deter vandals and thieves — and successfully keep them out. Check out the DAWGS products.
