Most common ways thieves break into a house under rehab?

Question

Hello everyone,

I just got a call from my contractor some thieves broke into my rehab and they stole some copper from the main line in the basement.

What are some suggestions/security measures you take to prevent this from happening? I'm thinking about buying security cameras and install them outside the doors, not sure what to do about the windows. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin Harrison · Answer

Security cameras wont do anything for you most likely, unless you can watch the video and happen to recognize the person in it. On top of that a thief is just as likely to take the camera with them if they notice it.

I would inform local law enforcement and ask for a few extra night time patrols, talk to the neighbors and ask them to keep an eye on the place and call if they see anyone suspicious, and possibly consider staying at the reno 1-2 time per week. You can make sure all the doors are locked but if someone wants in they will find a way. Also make sure your contractors know that they shouldn't leave anything of value in plain sight.

Now if you want to get creative with it I would get some cheap blinds or window coverings and set up a couple of lamps on cheap timers like the ones you can get from Lowes, and at least give the appearance of someone being there, at least enough to make people think twice).

Edited for terrible grammar.

Crystal Smith · Answer

Depending on the location when we're concerned w/ security we do the following:

• DAWGS- During the renovation. Use the door & window protectors. To reduce expense you can use the window protectors on some of the doors. Knock on wood- Never had anyone break thru a DAWGS door. We'll combine DAWGS w/ board up service.
• ADT like security- After the renovation is complete we use a monitored service like ADT. The new owner picks up the service
• Programmable lights & music- Make the house look lived in w/ lights going on & off along w/ some music
• House sitters- We've never used a house sitter before but it's common

Account Closed · Answer

Unfortunately, depending on the area, you may need to pay someone to sleep there and they arrive at dark and leave in the morning at light. It's been a problem in rehabs we've funded in the past and this solved the problem. It's actually cheaper or the same cost as a lot of alternatives.

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm going to either install the motion detector alarm system or ADT, both are very affordable options . I've also alerted the police about it and they will be patrolling the block more often during the next few weeks.

Jeff Mazzola · Answer

I had the same problem in one of my rehabs - the house was finished and being shown to potential buyers when the broker calls me and tells me the basement is flooded. They ripped all the copper off the furnace and water lines. needless to say we had thousands in damage and the buyers never returned,

I purchased an alarm system with motion detection that has a built in cell number that notifies the police when tripped. It stopped future break ins as the police showed up a couple of times. The system cost around $500 to purchase and a $35 monthly service fees, well worth it. It's also portable and I can move it to any job-site.

Matt Motil · Answer

There are motion sensor alarms you can purchase that you setup inside the house. The monitoring is cheap and it can be set to call the police if they go off. We use them as perimeter alarms at our construction sites near our equipment too for would-be thieves trying to walk off with materials or the big yellow iron.

Account Closed · Answer

You can install an alarm with motion detector and will be able to listen in or have cameras that you can access remotely. When you are alerted by the alarm, you can connect to see what's going on, rats or a real break in.

This is a great system, it can be installed on a temporary basis.

Charles

This is a great system, it can be installed on a temporary basis.

Charles

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! These are all great ideas.@Carl Mcknight "Aint nothing worth dying for in here" hahaha ! I literally laughed out loud while sitting on my desk.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

@Crystal Smith dawgs. Is expensive but in certain areas necessary. The guys I fund in chicago all use this sustem

Most common ways thieves break into a house under rehab?

Most common ways thieves break into a house under rehab?

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