Theft of Hot Water Heater and A/C Unit

[Rachel Fairweather]

Just bought our third rent house and 3 days after closing it was broken into and the hot water heater and the window A/C unit was stolen (presumably for the copper). Haven't had this happen before and want to know how to protect the house before we replace everything. I've ordered a Simplisafe security system and will have it monitored until I can get a renter in the house. Anyone else ever had this happen? Is there anything else I should be doing? I hate this feeling of helplessness.

[Jeff Bridges]

Originally posted by @Rachel Fairweather:

Just bought our third rent house and 3 days after closing it was broken into and the hot water heater and the window A/C unit was stolen (presumably for the copper). Haven't had this happen before and want to know how to protect the house before we replace everything. I've ordered a Simplisafe security system and will have it monitored until I can get a renter in the house. Anyone else ever had this happen? Is there anything else I should be doing? I hate this feeling of helplessness.

good idea with the simplisafe. I setup mine in the kitchen with the motion sensors only so that if they try to go near the WH they wont have time to take it before alarm goes off. I only activate it for the time my unit is vacant as service is month to month $25/mo. Can be easily moved from unit to unit as needed (but be sure to change the registered address when you do). Uses cellular, no wifi required.

Other things I do is add dusk/dawn exterior LED light fixtures on the entry doors so that the house is well lit at night and deters folks from trying to break in. You can also buy dawn/Dusk LED light bulbs and pop those in existing fixtures and leave them on until occupied. doesnt cost more than pennies a day in electricity. leave on flood lights if they are present at the property.

Also can leave on talk radio, a room or two lighting inside the house. and make sure all blinds are drawn. they even sell timers that randomize lights turning on and off. Can buy timer switch with randomizer or a plug in timer for a plug in light. I think exterior lights are a pretty good deterrent vs a completely dark house and are pretty sufficient though. depends on neighborhood.