Las Cruces police are sharing safety tips for realtors and those who work alone in places that may be frequented by unknown clients.
Realtors often work alone in unfamiliar spaces, at unusual hours and with customers they may not necessarily know.
Those circumstances often make their work risky, at best, 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.
- Use common sense when utilizing social media. Refrain from posting personal or identifiable information you would not want a stranger to know or see.
- Always carry your cellphone and keys in-hand, in a pocket, or in a body-worn purse or pack. Do not leave your cellphone or keys unattended, like on a countertop, where they are not immediately accessible and where they can easily be stolen. Your cellphone and keys may be needed immediately in an emergency.
- Consider carrying pepper spray or some other form of self-defense, or a high-decibel personal safety alarm that can easily be activated. 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 using a key fob.
- Ensure you have cellphone service at the property or space you are showing.
- Avoid draining your cell phone battery if using the device for ambient noise or as a link for a Bluetooth speaker.
- Leave your purse and other valuables – including expensive jewelry and watches – at home or properly secured in your vehicle.
- Wear practical clothing and footwear.
- If possible, do not show homes or spaces alone. Take a business partner, spouse or trusted friend when meeting with unknown individuals.
- Let a coworker or trusted friend know your schedule and where you will be. If you have not returned on time, they should check in and verify your safety.
- Be friendly, but not too personal. Avoid disclosing personal details such as work schedules, client timelines, homeowner’s living arrangements, etc.
- If showing a home that is currently occupied, ensure that the homeowner’s personal and financial information is out of sight. Have homeowners secure keys, mail, bills, checkbooks, electronics, etc. before showing their property.
- Always stay aware and alert of your surroundings. Take note of each person who enters your environment.
- Consider taking photos or video of arriving clients and ask them to sign a guest book.
- Consider utilizing a portable surveillance camera system that records arriving guests.
- Plan an escape route when showing a home or working in a solo office environment. Never get boxed into a room that you cannot safely exit, if necessary.
- Avoid leading customers to areas with no point of egress such as closets, basements or upstairs. Let clients explore those spaces on their own.
- Keep distance between you and unknown individuals. Use a barrier (kitchen island) to create distance between you and unknown individuals and avoid being lured into an uncomfortable situation.
- Avoid distractions or loud music when working. Do not wear headphones or earbuds as they may limit your ability to hear danger approaching.
- Set up an office distress code, a word or phrase, that can be used to signal an uncomfortable situation via text or voice.
- Do not call the office or a friend to report an emergency. Calling the office or friend first when police, fire or ambulance are needed will only delay the response from emergency services.
- Report suspicious activity by calling (575) 526-0795 and immediately call 911 if it is an emergency.
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