Since June of this year, a series of thefts have occurred at open houses all over Southeast Michigan. An investigation of these crimes is ongoing and the suspects are known to be ACTIVE. This leads us to the importance of taking all necessary safety precautions when holding open houses.

Suggestions from police include:

1) In the case of the recent open house robberies in Southeast Michigan, please obtain whatever suspect/vehicle descriptions you can and immediately call your local law enforcement agency. DO NOT CONFRONT THESE INDIVIDUALS ON YOUR OWN.

2) If planning to hold an open house, you may want to acquaint yourself with others being held in the same area. Ideally, if you can, alert other listing agents to obtain suspect descriptions and/or notify local law enforcement.

3)  Always talk with home owners about locking away all valuables before the open house begins. REALTORS: Lock your purses and/or other valuables away also. If locking these up in your car, hide or cover them so these items are not viewable by passersby.

4) Buddy up with an associate (if possible) when holding an open house. There is safety in numbers.

For additional safety tips, see our 4-minute safety video below or click here for the text version.