What Do You Guys Do to Avoid Theft from a New Home Nearing Completion?

Lvedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 14:24
Last edited 22/08/2018 - 15:11 by 1 other user

Hello Community Members,

Hope you all are well. Just need your suggestions on my situation.

I am constructing a new house in Melbourne West and its nearing the completion. It doesn't have any inbuilt home security system. This is my first ever home, always rented in City apartments.

My lot is a corner one but not a busy road, both neighbors haven't started building yet.

My Site Supervisor told that they will only install Appliances, Blinds after handover because theft from new home happening a lot now a days.

As per my view, it would take at least a week or two to get Internet connection, Appliances, Fence build up etc after the Handover. I want to move in as soon as the handover happens but practically I might not be able to do that.

Windows of a Home that is newly built opposite to my house were recently smashed and the Plaster Constructor told me that it's the second time that's happening to that house, it's a completed house but the appliances were not installed. I heard that there are groups that specially collects information about the newly built homes and try to steal before the owner occupies it.

I want your suggestions on what security options that i have to put in place from handover day to minimize this risk. I am looking at Wireless Security options like Arlo/Argus but not sure whether they are sufficient enough.

Cheers.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • trex on 22/08/2018 - 14:33
    +2

    Check out Digoo HOSA which can operate using GSM. It is powered by USB and sensors operate wirelessly. Unit sends notifications to your smart devices and you can operate it remotely as well. It's a nice but cheap system.

    • payton on 22/08/2018 - 14:37
      +1

      Thank you, am in the market for same as OP as well
      but isn't 2G/GSM now decomissioned and not supported in Australia?

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 14:50

      Thank you, I will check this out.

  • Brucet on 22/08/2018 - 14:39
    +2

    Try Arlec Slim Window Alarm from bunnings warehouse ( for temporary use ).

    Reolink Argus Pro with Solar Panel Power Charging Rechargeable Battery WiFi Surveillance Camera for Outdoor Indoor Security ( from ebay & AliExpress ).
    Hope my suggest can help you.

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 14:53

      Thanks Mate, I have tried Doberman Window Alarm but it was so inconsistent with the vibration sensor, have ordered one based on Magnetic connection not delivered yet, will check that out and see.

      Do you prefer to go with Argus or Argus 2? I was seeing a lot of local Argus 2 listings on ebay but all disappeared recently saying out of stock.

      Cheers.

  • GG57 on 22/08/2018 - 14:43
    +2

    I don't think that this problem is specific to your new location. Newly constructed houses are easy targets.
    I assume you will have full insurance in place by then, so at least you have that to fall back on?

    Is a possible solution the retention or installation of secure fencing? It would be a very visible deterrent.

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 14:58

      Yes Mate, I will take the insurance effective from the day before handover date but want to be cautious a bit to avoid any hassle before going in.

      One more problem is that my neighbors haven't started building yet, my property is on corner, so i planned to put colorbond 2M fences, still waiting to hear back from neighbors on fence notice.

      • pjetson on 22/08/2018 - 15:29

        House burglars love high fences. Once they're inside the fence, no-one can see what they are doing.

        • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 15:50

          Yeah Mate, thought about it after i sent the notice to neighbors but being a corner plot i thought it will it will give more privacy and also sooner or later both my neighbors will start construct and there will be people around always so wanted to ensure some privacy.

        • payton on 22/08/2018 - 16:19

          calls for the digging of a camouflaged, deep trench behind the high fence
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnSXkVh8oH8

      • imurgod on 24/08/2018 - 07:17

        Unless you'll be living in it, check the unoccupied exclusion of your insurance PDS. Make sure you comply.

    • HighAndDry on 22/08/2018 - 17:55
      +1

      It's not even a new problem. Newly built apartments were having appliances stolen some 20 years ago.

      • anastasiastarz on 26/08/2018 - 21:02

        Funny story, someone broke into our work (level 28) to steal our printing card to up machine XD They called a cab and totally got caught. It was an inside job.

  • HighAndDry on 22/08/2018 - 14:50
    +4

    Giant motion-activated outdoor flood-lights. As long as you have power, you can install those. And honestly, I think that's better than being able to see your house being broken into. (But you can get both these and IP cameras).

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 15:02

      Sounds good. I already got one or two motion activated lights on the sides but a basic one from the builder. I will see whether i can install any more. Thanks Mate.

  • JimmyF on 22/08/2018 - 14:58
    +3

    Google zombie proofing….

  • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 22/08/2018 - 15:04
    -7

    "What Do You Guys Do to Avoid New Home Invasions?"

    By not moving to Melbourne West….

    • GG57 on 22/08/2018 - 15:13
      +6

      It is a problem country-wide; Melbourne's west is not different.

      Builders of new houses in construction near me have 3m fences, lockable gates, security lights and motion activated cameras. And I live in a small village where there are still some people who don't lock their doors day or night.
      It is just that the sites are easy pickings.

      • GG57 on 22/08/2018 - 15:24

        Can someone explain why this was down-voted?

      • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 15:24

        Exactly that, i read its all over. I went with a volume builder since my bank suggested to go with one, they didnt had many options for security and options present were over priced ridiculously and not efficient.

  • John Kimble on 22/08/2018 - 15:05
    +14

    Fortunately/Unfortunately I will likely never encounter this situation as we don't have enough money to build a new home.

    • sw00p on 24/08/2018 - 07:06
      +4

      Upvoted out of solidarity, but secretly crying inside :(

  • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2018 - 15:10
    +1

    Baseball bat.

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 15:18

      I read that yesterday there was an invasion by a gang and they took the car keys from victim and fled with car, victim had basket ball bat in hand but i think it will not scare them if they are more than 1.

      • kahn on 22/08/2018 - 18:29
        +27

        basket ball bat

        Damn, I've been playing basketball all wrong.

  • GG57 on 22/08/2018 - 15:14
    +2

    No-one mentioned 'bikies' yet?

    • CyberMurning on 22/08/2018 - 15:38
      +2

      bikies are so old.
      apex gangs are the current trends

    • 1Kenobi on 22/08/2018 - 15:39
      +3

      Because they are the culprits?

  • Euphemistic on 22/08/2018 - 15:23

    Lots of new construction sites are getting portable security camera towers to prevent theft, I know ATF have them, and probably other hire companies. Usully provide 24/4 monitoring and can send alerts to you. I was surprised how reasonable the price is when we got a couple for work. Obviously not designed to be forever, but while there is noone around on the construction site they seem to be a good deterrent. The supplier was also able to provide internal camera systems that ran on battery power too.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2018 - 15:39
      +8

      24/4

      Whoever's offering that are 3 days short.

      • HighAndDry on 22/08/2018 - 17:55
        +2

        Or planning to rob the place themselves…

      • Euphemistic on 22/08/2018 - 20:04

        Now I know why we are still getting ripped off over the weekends, probably not paying for fri, sat, sun.

  • yoonibear on 22/08/2018 - 15:49

    They'll also target you hot water system too..

    • vedhabala on 22/08/2018 - 15:54

      Thats concerning Mate since its outside, i was also surprised when my SS told me that they will not even install blinds because they steal that too. One more reason he was telling is that he don't want to put blinds and close the view from outside before handover because if they cant see inside they will surely break-in assuming appliances and everything are already installed kind.

      • iand on 26/08/2018 - 23:12

        break in and pull down blinds so no one can see them unhooking all the appliances then roll up blinds and steal them as well

    • 87percent on 22/08/2018 - 15:54
      +8

      they're inside jobs… delivery person tips off his buddies

  • iTzTeFish on 22/08/2018 - 15:53
    +2

    Bikies

  • TheBilly on 22/08/2018 - 16:57

    Im surprised they take appliances. I wouldnt think it was easy to off load ovens and dishwashers. But hey, maybe there is a market for this.

    • altomic on 22/08/2018 - 19:23

      There is a market in virtually everything

    • Speckled Jim on 23/08/2018 - 08:38

      Near Rockingham WA about 25 years ago, a house became vacant, agent put For Lease sign outside.
      A few days later it was broken into. The fitted curtains were the only thing stolen.

  • mskeggs on 22/08/2018 - 17:52
    +9

    Just move in and "camp out" in your place from handover.
    You can live without broadband, blinds and a fence for a bit. Eat take away etc.
    Once you are living there, it is much riskier for someone to break in/vandalise.

    • BobD on 23/08/2018 - 08:30
      +4

      That's what I did as soon as the house became my responsibility and park your car out the front. Not in the garage.

    • ItsMeAgro on 24/08/2018 - 14:29
      +1

      My dad did this when we built a house.

      The first night, a truck pulled up outside around midnight. He switched a bunch of lights on around the house. They left.

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 10:46
      +1

      Thanks Mate. I am thinking of doing that now.

  • HeWhoKnows on 23/08/2018 - 07:43
    +2

    The builder is liable until they hand over to you.
    Speak to the builder

    • Calmago on 24/08/2018 - 07:51
      +1

      ^^^^
      This, don't worry about something that isn't your problem. The builder has insurance for this kind of thing.
      It's no different if someone was to break in a kick holes in all the plaster.

      I wouldn't accept a hand over until everything is complete, including your appliances, blinds ect.

    • h4zey on 24/08/2018 - 15:13

      where is the upvote for this?????

  • Ken1977 on 23/08/2018 - 09:28
    +5

    A lot of stolen items is by the tradies unfortunately. They most of the time already have a builders key. Ive heard stories. Tradies install a custom kitchen fitout on wednesday, over the weekend its stolen, builder calls on Monday saying they need a new one, sorry mate 6 weeks for new benches, but we can make one in a rush but it's $$ more.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2018 - 01:42

      Good point. Make sure you use your key in all the locks or the tradies will still be able to get in.

    • anastasiastarz on 26/08/2018 - 21:05

      Yep or they get their friends to do it.

  • Brendoo on 24/08/2018 - 05:10

    Hire a private security firm for a short period of time so a security guard is at your house after hours once the builders have left and until they return in the morning. Cheap 'insurance' and won't cost much in the scheme of things. This is not unusual in Australia and extremely common overseas. Homes that are not yet secure, but have a ton of brand new valuables in them are the easiest target.

  • aussieprepper on 24/08/2018 - 07:16
    +3

    Acquire a gun (preferably a shotgun) and a rocking chair.

    Sit out front daring people to break in.

  • DarkOz on 24/08/2018 - 09:03
    +1

    This had been happening for over a decade. The appliances are the last things the builders will put it. You can't do that for bigger constructions as there would be hundreds of appliances so they employ security guards overnight. This will be tricky for a single house as the cost for a security guard will not be worth it.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 24/08/2018 - 09:19
    +6

    Just park a car in the driveway. That may deter them to seek an easier target.

    • AddNinja on 24/08/2018 - 11:55
      +1

      I think that’s a great idea - as many other tricks you can think of to make the place look occupied also.

    • dharmesht on 24/08/2018 - 14:20
      +1

      Good one, may be leave one light switched ON.

    • idonotknowwhy on 24/08/2018 - 15:43
      +1

      Why are criminals so scared of cars?

  • Mrgreenz on 24/08/2018 - 11:19
    +1

    Is that what you were expecting? Is that what the contract says? Seems theybare reducing their liability at your expense of convinience.

    Sure you dont want stuff stolen, but you dont wanna live without blinds because dave is coming round on thursday to fit them… or was it a week thursday?

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 10:57

      Contract doesnt say that, but they are very hesitant in doing that. I am now thinking of telling them to install it on the handover day itself and camp there as others suggested.

  • syousef on 24/08/2018 - 12:39
    +2

    Is there a relative you can trust to house sit who'll do it cheap?

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 10:58

      No Mate, thats a good suggestion though.

  • picklewizard on 24/08/2018 - 12:44
    +1

    I wonder if hire a guard dog is a thing?

    • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2018 - 15:52
      +1

      There is plenty of places that hire out guard dogs that they leave at a property (I asume they come back and check them daily) but it needs to be well fenced in.

  • stingy-oz on 24/08/2018 - 13:37
    +1

    I lived in the north west, and when i built my house then; it got broke into with glasses smashed. Though there was no appliances then but it's not nice regardless. The builder was quick to fix it all up and all.

    I moved in immediately which mitigated the risk.

    During those times, I have seen houses put up something like this

    https://www.austsecurityfencing.com.au/product/croc-top-secu…

    so the burglar either have to take down the fence to get in or going to be difficult to climb over. Didn't know how much it cost though.

  • apu on 24/08/2018 - 13:59
    +2

    A few suggestions:

    On handover day - install visible IP cameras in key locations. Don't worry if they are not connected, it's more of a visual deterrent.

    Also, install an alarm ASAP as well. If it's a single storey, you can do this via your own contractor after handover. If it's a double storey, you may want to ask the builder's sparky to do the pre-wiring if the plaster hasn't been installed yet.

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 10:59

      Thanks mate for your suggestions.

  • Talla on 24/08/2018 - 14:02
    +2

    Hey bud, i just had a similar situation whereby we built a house in the west which was completed few months ago. We got the fence up before handover as the builder encouraged us to do that for security. We coordinated with the builder to do appliances same day as handover so while we got the keys and got the movers to load the trucks, builder installed the appliances and hot water same day. They turned the central heating on next day and blinds happended in a few days. Temporarily we put painters sheets on Windows (costed less than a doller from bunnings per sheet). Just coordinate with your builder to do appliances same day as handover specially the hot water and make sure your insurance starts same day as handover.
    Regarding the internet, if your nbn box is already installed, speak with an internet provider few weeks before handover. We had internet activated few days before we moved in so just plugged the modem in same day.
    Any breakins that happen before handover wont cause issues for u as they are the builders responsibility

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 11:01

      Thanks Mate, my Builder told that they will not allow me to do fence before handover, but i will try to do the other things as you advised.

      • Talla on 02/09/2018 - 10:45

        Have they given you a reason as to why they won't let u put up the fence? Most of the houses in our estate done by different builders had their fence up before handover as builders actually encouraged them for it. Plus fence goes around the property so builder doesn't really get affected by it. Try to push for it or at least tell them u need to have it up a week before handover. Tell them u plan to move in same day as handover n ask them how exactly they expect u to live in a house without a fence

  • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2018 - 17:04
    +1

    This is actually the builders problem not the homeowners so I would just leave it to them deal with.

  • Mentallysick on 29/08/2018 - 08:42
    +1

    Not even your problem.

    Do not let accept the handover until the house is fully completed which is installation of all appliances as per the contract between you and the builder.

    Builder trying to be smart here by handing over the risk to you.

    DO NOT ACCEPT THE HANDOVER!!!

    THESE BUILDERS ARE THE ONE WHO IS STEALING.

    • vedhabala on 31/08/2018 - 11:21

      They are saying if they do install and it gets stolen then it will drastically delay the handover at least by a month or so. I am just thinking to install it on the handover day itself now as a best case. Site Supervisor was telling that its stolen based on trade guys passing information.

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