While there are no local statistics on how often this occurs, Dayton police said the most common items taken are prescription medications and jewelry. To prepare homeowners for an open house, Realtor and Dayton Board of Realtors president Ralph Mantica said he tells them they need to treat the sale of their home “like you’re having a party.”
“You have a bunch of people walking through your house,” he said. “There’s always somebody out there who’s going to try to take advantage of somebody else and you have to prepare for it.”
Mantica suggested sellers take their medications out of cabinets and take them with them during an open house. They should also remove any small valuables, such as jewelry and iPods. If they don’t want to take the items with them, he said hiding them in a place “that isn’t obvious” can help ensure they don’t disappear.
Taking an inventory of valuables — with photos, descriptions, serial numbers and a rough estimate of how much they’re worth — can assist police with tracking them down should something go missing. This can be done regardless if your home is for sale. Dayton police can register your inventory through their Operation Identification program. For more information, call (937) 333-7430.
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