Securing Vacant Property

[Terri Pour-Rastegar]

I need some help on this issue ASAP please!!!

I have a vacant property, newly renovated, which has been broken into a few times in just a couple of weeks. I need recommendations for security measures and things to help deter further attacks on this house.

First, 2 of my exterior doors with new deadbolts were broken. They pryed the door open, breaking the jambs and pinching the deadbolt beyond repair. Then, today, one of my contractors informed me they found drug paraphernalia inside this morning. We leave all inside and outside lights on all night. All doors are secured with deadbolts and latches and jamb reinforcement. Strangely enough, the only things stolen were a kitchen faucet (not yet installed) and an installed floodlight--both of which were very inexpensive, thankfully.

I'm very grateful that, so far, they've not vandalized the new work we've done inside. But that seems inevitable at this point.

I'm considering installing a full security system. It could be worth the expense. Any recommendations? I want to hurry and secure this place as best I can.

[David Oldenburg]

@Terri Pour-Rastegar  I have a great security plan that works for me on my flips in bad areas!  know I am coming in late here, but wanted to give you and others the info on what I do.  First, I have flipped homes in bad areas, with higher crime. I flipped a home last year that was in an area where there had been 6 robberies on the same street in the last few months.  There was even a flip that was broken into, and they caused lots of damage.

I have a very simple fix and it has worked 100% of the time for me. I pay someone $20 per day to stay in my home. I simply post on Facebook that I have a flip and I need someone who can be there every evening while the work is being done. I tell them it will not be glamorous, but it is a free place to stay and they get paid a little for their time as well.  I usually get 3-5 people who call me and I see who I feel will be best. 

A few months ago I did this on a flip and I was called by a former Marine who had just gotten out of the service and had a job, but could not afford his own place yet.  He was living in his car temporarily.  He was thrilled to sleep on the floor with a sleeping bag.  I provided some additonal blankets etc...  

I had another stuation with a flip, and I had a college kid stay there. He took classes during the day but stayed in my home each night.  He was in a dorm with like 4 guys, so being able to crash in a vacant house and get a few minutes of privacy was great for him.

I could go on and on with examples, but I have never (knock on my fake wood table) had a property broken into or vandalized when someone was staying there in the evening.  Even in bad areas I have had success.  Be sure to inform your insurance company that someone is staying there.  In some cases this will actually reduce the cost of your insurance. I know with the company I use, it is lower the moment someome begins to stay in the home. I pick good people who need help, but are hard-working. 

However, I do believe that bright security lights that are motion sensitive and a loud motion detector alarm inside is a great idea if the house is left vacant.  You can get good backup battery systems for these products, so even without electrical they will work and make a lot of noise and shine a lot of light.