Realtors Beware: appliance theft could cost you more than money

In 2017, there were nearly 36,000 forced and unforced burglaries in Michigan. From jewelry to electronics and appliances - these thefts range in value from family heirlooms to big dollar items - and can be devastating to home owners, realtors and hardworking house-flippers. It also can be dangerous to your safety.

Vacant properties are prime targets and the most exposed for theft. Thieves know no one is inside, so they select vacant property since there is a lower likelihood of being caught. Even if the building is completely empty of all contents, thieves may still strike to steal copper piping or other valuable building components or appliances.

That also means potential danger to your health and safety. Thieves aren't experts in disconnecting or shutting off natural gas services. When gas appliances are stolen, and improperly disconnected, gas could build-up overnight or during the day, posing a significant risk to realtors, appraisers and construction crews when they return to the property.

Before you enter a vacant home or one under construction, do a perimeter check and peer into the windows. Does it look how you left it or does anything look misplaced or out-of-the-ordinary? This could be a sign that someone has intruded your space.

Use this helpful checklist to know what to spot, what to do and what precautions to take to prevent against theft.

What to spot:

• Broken window
• Cracked door frame, or partially open door
• Tampered locks, tiny nicks may be hard to see, but could indicate a break-in
• Lights that don't turn on or are broken
• Smell of rotten eggs or natural gas odors

What to do:

• Do not enter the home if you think someone has been inside since you last visited
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• If you smell gas, also call DTE at 800.947.5000

What precautions to take:

• Install alarms before rehabbing a home, not after the project is complete
• Ask neighbors to keep an eye out for work crews, and ask them to verify with you if those are the right crews
• Pay attention to litter outside the property and pick it up. Litter can serve as a signal to thieves and could be a clue that the building is a potential target.
• Never leave a new appliance box in front of the house, because it lets thieves know there's something worth stealing inside