Preventing theft, vacant property.

[dirtyb115]

Hi all. Just purchased a fixer upper on 9 acres. Anywho, it was bank owned and while it was sitting vacant, some lowlifes came in and took all the electric out of the house, ducts, copper, gutters ect.. I was told this was fairly common with repos around here..... sad .
At any rate, i got a really good deal on it, and i plan on fixing it up and living there. However, we just closed on it last week and i went out to take down the for sale signs and someone came back again and actually stole galvanized steel that was on the side of the small barn/garage that is there.... So now im not really sure what to do. I put a lock on the gate, but you can easily drive in the field to get around it. I hate to leave anything there (such as a lawnmower, tractor, building materials.) untill i feel its secure. If i were living there now i would not be worried at all, the area is nice and not known for alot of crime. But being vacant and so secluded i am worried. I thought about a small hidden camera to try and catch them if they come back or maybe just getting a trailer and living out there while i fix it up.... Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Slacker]

I'd start with a big sign that said POSTED- KEEP OUT! after that, possibly a few lights around the place.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's a tough situation that is getting worse.

I had someone living rent free in a trailer to keep an eye on things when I first bought... Homes in the area were getting hit and I think having someone there daily was my saving grace.

I also introduced myself to all of my neighbors... told them I bought to own and I would appreciate it if they reported anything suspicious and gave them all of my contact information. One offered to mow because he also didn't want an un-kept home attracting problems.

One of my neighbors was kind enough to collect the junk mail that accumulates out at the mail box to help.

Nothing can substitute foe eyes and ears on the ground when you are far away.

How soon till you make the big move?

 

[jdmar]

Clean it up on the outside to make it look like it is now "lived in." Landscaping always adds a lot of effect. Put enough electric to have some lamps on variable timers. ALso hook radio or small TV to a timer (TVs are hard to do this now). Plumb it with PEX instead of copper. Add recording video if affordable...or use some of the better hunting/motion cameras. They work well even in very low light. If you catch a person on the film, blow up the photo for them to see their own face next time they show up. Also include a copy of the police report you made with the photo. Criminals love seeing their face in print!

For storage you could consider a trailer with a VERY good lock, but they are always susceptible to entry still. Hope some of these ideas help. I have done rehabs for some years now and I feel your pain. I have found that making it look lived in and having variable light/radio timers seems to have helped.

Peter

 

[wedge40]

Post a sign that reads.
"I believe in gun control
Gun control in being able to hit your taget"

More seriously. Until someone is going to live there I wouldn't be storing anything out there. I too would talk to your new neighbors and ask them to keep an eye ont things. Tell them this is what kind of vehical I drive and anything else should be treated as suspisious. The little camera is a good idea, but without power it become a bit of a challenge. Good luck.

Wedge

 

[Ridgewalker]

Can you extend your fencing? It's not that hard to throw up some 3 strand, anything to make your place tougher to access will help.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto on everything mentioned. the fencing and gate will keep the 'honest' and lazy criminals out.

living there will deter most of the rest.. and shooting the few that break in and threaton you while you live there will take care of the ones that aren't detered by the 1st 2 things i mentioned.

soundguy

 

[dirtyb115]

thanks for all of the ideas, i may put up some 3 strand and get the electric turned back on and just hook up a couple of lamps on timers.
It will probably be a while before i can move out there , i have alot of work to do.

 

[actionaj]

I think booby traps should be made legal.

 

[wedge40]

I think booby traps should be made legal.

There NOT???

If you get the power on then the camera thing is a good idea, just make sure you hide the recorder well.. Wont do you much good if it get stolen.
I agree with the fences keep honest people out, but the harder you make it for someone the less likely they are to try and break in. Most criminals are LAZY, otherwise they'd have real jobs.

Wedge