Neighbors Asked To Help Stop Staged Home Thefts
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver are investigating a series of thefts from homes for sale that have been staged. They are looking for suspects in the thefts.
During Nov. 2012 there were a series of burglaries in staged homes for sale in Denver Police District 2.
Staged homes are generally vacant homes with rented furniture so potential buyers will be able to view the home with furniture.
In one home that was hit a bedroom staged to look cozy with lamps and a full bedroom set was stripped down, the thieves only left an air mattress on the floor.
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Other pieces of large furniture were hauled away and even the candlesticks on the fireplace mantle were swiped.
Police believe neighbors aren't often suspicious because they see furniture going in and out of the staged homes all of the time.
"It's not entirely surprising. It's disappointing to see people take advantage of people like that," said Keller Williams agent Alan Strange.
Realtors believe the watchful eyes of neighbors could be the key to stopping the crimes.
"Not a bad idea if you happen to see people moving in and out of a neighbor's home to go introduce yourself and say, 'Hi, welcome to the neighborhood' or 'Sorry to see you go' and maybe you can get an idea of whether or not they actually belong there," said Strange.
The homes targeted in November were located in the North Park Hill area between Martin Luther King Blvd. to 38th and Monaco to Quebec.
During Dec. 2012 another series of burglaries occurred in staged homes for sale in the Cole/Whittier/Clayton and North City Park neighborhoods.
Police believe the thieves are getting in through windows or doors or they could be getting the key from the lock box.
Police in Denver are asking that anyone with information on the crimes contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.
Police are also asking for everyone to be on the lookout for suspicious parties at homes for sale in their neighborhoods. Contact the Denver Police Department through the non-emergency number at 720-913-2000 or 911 if an emergency.
