The Cost Of Theft

We do all types of inspections. Not too long ago we did an inspection for an out-of-state buyer for a townhome here on the Gulf Coast. The unit was priced below market value. It was stated that it needed repairs. The home was in desperate need of repairs, including the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, walls, pretty much everything.

In the kitchen, the counters and cabinets were destroyed. In the bathrooms, the vanities were destroyed, and the toilets and showers were in need of replacement as well. The flooring was completely ruined throughout. Surprisingly, the windows were passable.

Now, put together in a package remodel, it was doable, except for two major issues. Thieves, vandals, whatever you want to call them (degenerates seems to be very fitting), broke open the walls and ceilings and tore out the wiring and copper plumbing. At that point, the home is close to worthless. The astronomical cost of replacing all of the plumbing and wiring, the sheetrock, and refinishing, is incredible. So, now you have a home that no one wants to buy and the owner is stuck with.

The individuals that do this type of destruction, take the goods they steal and sell them at scrap metal yards for whatever they can get. Regardless of their reasons, whether for drug money or just being thieves, they have committed theft and have caused someone an unbelievable amount of grief and loss.

Regardless of where you live, in a subdivision, apartment community, or in an urban town setting, you can help prevent this and worse by calling the police for any unusual activity or noises that you notice in your area. Vacant homes, or homes where the residents are away, are prime targets.

As a community, you cannot complain about such crimes or blame the police for not doing their job if you live with your head in the ground, using the all-time favorite excuse "I don't want to get involved." If it were your property, would you want someone to get involved or turn the other way?

And, can you be certain that these vandals will only commit this type of crime, or will they expand to something more violent?

Be alert and be aware of your surroundings in the area you live. Before you blame the police and everyone else for lack of action, make sure you do your part in keeping your community safe.

A safety tip from your friends at Gold Ribbon Home Inspections.