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A GUIDE TO GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT A VACANT AND UNSECURED BUILDING (8/10)

By Tim Maschok

 

If you happen to spot a building and you think it may be vacant and unsecured, you will want to determine if it is in fact vacant and unsecured. The following tips should be helpful:

 

 

Double check to make sure it is vacant. Knock on door.

 

Why is it vacant? Trashed? Tools?

 

Names? On door, mailbox, or …

 

Lights? Does lighting change on multiple visits?

 

Is debris blocking doorway or garage doors?

 

Old newspapers, circulars, etc.

 

While checking out the place, is there a person across the street pointing a shotgun at you? :-)

 

Dead plants good, live plants bad (nothing against plants, mind you)

 

Are trash cans put out on trash night?

 

Neighbor’s car in driveway?

 

Mail piled up?

 

Is building left unsecured (open doors, windows, etc.)?

 

 

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