Police Offer Realtor Safety Tips

Realtors often work in places that are isolated, and with customers they may not necessarily know, making their occupation somewhat risky and potentially dangerous.

September is Realtor Safety Month, so the Las Cruces Police Department is sharing safety tips for realtors and those who work alone in places that may be frequented by unknown clients.

• Screen new clients by obtaining a full name, address and copy of a driver’s license before meeting.
• Consider using a background service that allows you to verify the identity and check the criminal history of potential clients.
• Always have your first meeting in a public place like your office or a coffee shop.
• Share your itinerary, including information on who you are meeting, with colleagues or a trusted friend.
• If possible, take a business partner, spouse or trusted friend when meeting with unknown clients.
• Before entering a property for show, check exterior doors and windows to ensure nobody has gained access.
• Also, before showing a property, check neighboring homes for motion-activated smart cameras. If you must flee the home you’re showing, run toward a home with a motion-activated camera.
• Always carry your cellphone and keys in-hand, in a pocket, or in a body-worn purse or pack.
• Consider carrying pepper spray, a high-decibel personal safety alarm or some other form of self-defense. Most vehicles also have a panic alarm that can be activated from your key fob. Do not hesitate to sound the alarm if necessary.
• Park along the street, not on the driveway where someone can block your car. This also provides better visibility if you need to activate your vehicle’s panic alarm.
• Ensure you have cellphone service at the property you are showing and keep your device charged.
• Leave your purse and other valuables – including expensive jewelry and watches – at home or properly secured in your vehicle.
• Ask customers to sign a guest book and be wary if they refuse.
• Avoid leading customers to areas with no point of egress such as closets, basements or upstairs. Let clients explore those spaces on their own.
• Consider using a safety app – such as SafeShowings, RealSafeAgent or Rescu – that can alert a contact, or police, in an emergency.
• Avoid calling the office or a friend to report an emergency. Calling the office or friend first, in an emergency, only delays the response from emergency services.
• Report suspicious activity by calling (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it’s an emergency.