Vacant property theft of hot water tank - alarm system

[Bob Collett]

About a month ago, there was a break-in at a property I manage in Cleveland Heights near the East Cleveland border. The owner was interested in selling the property, so he gave the listing to a real estate agent. The agent placed a yard sign, and the break-in happened within a day or so.

The thief came in and stole the hot water tank.  I ask my plumber what an 8 year old hot water tank is worth.  He said about $40 for scrap.  They turned off the water and the gas, and did not do too much other damage. All in all, I felt pretty lucky... but I was scratching my head. Why would anyone go through all that trouble, cause me a significant expense, risk getting caught... all for $40.

Three weeks later I found out why.  After I had my plumber install a new tank, they came back in 10 days for the new tank... and this time they also took the rest of the plumbing.  I think it was a rather clever approach. The Cleveland Heights police told me that they get about three of these thefts every day... and even questioned how long I have known my plumber! It seems the thieves work with contractors, by supplying them brand new  hot water tanks real cheap.

Now I am paranoid... I can't put in a new tank for fear that they will come back.... the complete re-plumb is going to cost me about $2200 to $2500.

This business is all about having problems, then solving the problem, then systematizing the solution.  I decided to order a security system from Simplisafe for about $400.  Its portable, and does not need WIFI, only power, so once I get the place repaired and rented, I might move the whole system to my next vacant property.  It seems that our local crooks only attack vacant properties. There are certainly other alarm systems out there, but this one had just been referred to me, it is cheap, portable and no contract... so I think I have nothing to lose... unless it does not work.  

So be warned... if you get a break in at a vacant property and they still an old hot water tank... they are probably baiting you to put in a new one.

Comments welcome.

[Bob Collett]

I am updating my recent experience with the SimpliSafe security system.  After a couple of break-ins in Cleveland Heights, I decided to purchase two of the security systems, each with its own base station and with monitoring.  

The systems arrived at my doorstep two days after I ordered them, so I rushed out to Cleveland Heights and Garfield Hts to install the systems in my vacant properties.  The installation took a bit longer than advertised, but after about 30 minutes, I was ready to test.  The company customer service is very good. The technical support was knowledgeable and willing to help. 

Once we go the system up and working locally, I was a bit confused that it would be in "practice mode" for three days (to avoid false alarms).  That would normally be OK, but my vacant house was "hot" and I wanted it to work immediately. 

The customer support was able to help, but unfortunately, I learned very quickly that the T-mobile chip set that came with the base station was not reliable... so while the alarm system tested and was working OK... the signal was not good, so that it would go in and out, and essentially be useless.

After a few days of screwing around, and troubleshooting every other possibility, Simplisafe decided to send me Verizon chip set.  This meant two more days without a monitored alarm system. But as promised, the new Verizon chip came in two days.  I again rushed out to Cleveland Heights, and installed the new chip.  It working immediately. I next installed the new chip in Garfield Heights.

Today I had to go to Garfield Heights for a rental appointment at a different property.  Afterwards I went to my vacant property with the new security system.  The window in the back door had been busted open.  I looked through the window, and there was no sign of intruders.  I stuck my arm through the broken window to find that the door was still secure.  Just then, the security system must of senses the motion of my arm, because the alarm went off.  I stepped away from the door, and within a few minutes, I got the call from the monitoring company asking if I needed assistance. Since this WAS NOT a test, I told them yes, there has been an attempted break-in, please dispatch the Garfield Hts police.  I waited outside, for the uniformed officer to come by. He checked out the place and everything was secure except the broken window.

So while the bad guys did not trigger the alarm (unless they had been there just moments before I arrived), the system did pick up on my arm motion, and did exactly what it was supposed to do.

I would thus far recommend the system.  I will follow-up more, if there are more events, or when I move the system to the next vacant unit after these are rented.