Most times one of your rehabs was robbed?

Question

This mourning I learned one of my rehabs was broken into for the third time in the past five months (it is a low priority, I work on it between other jobs). Ironicly last night they stole the vinyl windows which I bought to replace the windows that were broken in the prior break in. I was planning to have my crew install today. Grand total loss of the 3 break ins is only about $1,000,  But the annoyance factor is high, now I have to go back to HD and reorder (2-3 weeks). The windows were heavy, custom sized budget vinyl, no one else would have a need for them (and the pair is only $325 new). So can anyone beat three times?

James Vermillion · Answer

True, you did not seek advise, but your thread begged for it.

And to answer your question, no, I cannot beat 3 robberies in one rehab.  Luckily, BP members do not always stick to the question in a thread, or much of the incredible info on the site would have never been submitted.

Steven Del Prete · Answer

First time shame on them. Second and third are on you. Get a cheap alarm. Put up curtains to make it seem like someone lives there. The ADP sign and stickers are a good idea too. Put up motion sensing lights on the outside of the home. No one likes to break into a place when everyone can see them.

Always lock doors and windows. That includes the second floor. Use both the handle and dead bolt on the doors.

Biggest thing is to keep the job active. If they see you only show up from time to time I believe someone is more willing to steal from you as they don't thing it will be noticed for a while.

Maybe the most important. Talk to the neighbors. Ask them to help you protect the home at night by simply calling the cops as they will know no one is to be at the home at night when it's being rehabbed.

With all that being said I've never been robbed on any of my new homes. Or flips I've done for investors.

Scott W. · Answer

i put an ADP sign up on the front of the house and put up security stickers on the windows...leave the lights on outside always.

never had a robbery...hope i never do. sorry these punks did this to you. wish we could camp out together & bust their a$$.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

I've only had a property break-in once while rehabbing.  Actually it was after rehabbing it for rental.  The people broke in during Christmas weekend in 2011.  That was the only time I wasn't there (for obvious reasons).

I had already shown it, and already had a tenant lined up to move in January 1.  Cost me about $800.  They stole the copper in the basement, the kitchen faucet, and the shower faucet.  They were nice enough to shut off the water before taking anything, however, otherwise I would have had a mess on my hands.

The one thing I didn't do in that case was put curtains on the windows.  So anyone could see that the place was vacant.  I have always put curtains up since, and never any further issues.

John Rooster · Answer

Perhaps I need to point out that I did not ask for any advice. I was only seeking similar stories of multiple breakins

Mike Hurney · Answer

John Rooster
Guess what's next?
a. Building gets Torched.
b. New Tenants will squat there.
c. You'll be robbed and beaten at gunpoint.
d. Windows and materials previously stolen will be returned.

I'm sorry to hear about this. I just updated my Builders license with CEUs and one requirement is that the Building a permit or work is done at, must be secured by the Contractor or Owner. There's a little liability associated with this if someone is "hurt" there.
I'd get my contractors and wrap this up by tonight. Can you frame the windows to a standard size?
PS "This mourning I learned..." Mourning is right!;-)

James Vermillion · Answer

It sounds like $1000 isn't that important to you.  You can get a portable alarm system for less than that and you can at least attempt to deter someone from stealing your materials.  I am assuming you have taken measures in between these issues to prevent this from happening...that is $1000 out of your pocket, and it sounds like it is only a matter of time before it happens again.

J Scott · Answer

Have you considered a portable alarm?  Or perhaps not leaving materials in the house until it is adequately secured?

Most times one of your rehabs was robbed?

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