Don't Be a Target

Submitted by Nicole Giangrosso, REALTOR

I and many other agents have been targeted at Open House's not only are we getting our wallets stolen but people are also targeting the clients as well, medicine in medicine cabinets, expensive perfume, anything they can get their hands on. We need to take a stand on this and better protect ourselves as well as our clients.

I am urging my fellow colleagues to please be on the lookout for 2 young females, maybe in their late 20's with Dark Hair.... One girl attractive wearing expensive sunglasses and the other a bit heavyset. There is also an older man that will walk in after the girls on the phone pretending to be talking to someone so that you won't bother with him.

Never let anyone wander through anyone's home unattended.... even if you have to put a SHOWING IN PROGRESS sign on the door and let people wait if you're alone and can't watch everyone.

Agents need to know that our purses, laptops are no longer safe! They know to look in the cabinets for our purses and the washing machine and dishwashers too!!! Also, please let agents know that they should not do an open house alone and if they have no one to sit it with them, then purchase Pepper Spray and keep it handy.

I followed a Realtor's progress after reading about her in the paper. She had been brutally stabbed over 17 times in Corona California and left for dead while at her open house. I also had a very bad experience at an Open House and luckily I was able to escape unharmed, but would not be here to talk about it had it gone the other way.

I know there are many victimized agents out there who choose not to report it..... so I reach out to ALL.... PLEASE TAKE PRECAUTIONS !!!! It could be the difference between life and death.