Melbourne Bayside Agents Remove 'For Sale' Signs Amid Rising Security Concerns
Real estate agents in Melbourne's bayside suburbs are reportedly removing 'for sale' signs from listed homes due to a rise in break-ins, graffiti vandalism, instances of rough sleeping, and theft of staging furniture from unoccupied properties. Some agents are also marketing homes without photographs on footpath signage to deter intruders.
This strategic shift follows a surge in security issues reported across St Kilda, Elwood, Balaclava, and Seaholme.
Escalating Incidents and Property Damage
An agent with 18 years of experience in the area noted a significant increase in these incidents, particularly people breaking into properties to sleep.
"This issue, particularly people breaking into properties to sleep, has become more prevalent since last year."
Recent events include a property found with a smashed window and drug paraphernalia inside. In another instance, intruders reportedly slept in a staged home and used its linen. Staging furniture, such as candles, desks, lamps, and bedding, has also been a target for theft.
Agency Responses to Deter Intruders
In response to the growing threat, real estate agencies are either removing 'for sale' signs entirely or opting for generic signs without property photographs. This measure aims to prevent potential intruders from easily identifying staged and unoccupied homes, which are perceived as vulnerable targets.
Devastating Impact on Homeowners
The security breaches have exacted a heavy toll on homeowners, both financially and emotionally.
One St Kilda homeowner reported her house was ransacked after being listed for sale, with over $40,000 worth of items, including a TV and clothes, stolen. The property's alarm was rendered inactive because the power had been turned off by the real estate agent. Police investigating the incident indicated they had encountered similar situations previously.
In Seaholme, a family's home, listed for sale after their parents' deaths, also suffered a break-in. Intruders graffitied walls and used the staged beds, leaving behind drug paraphernalia such as joint butts and lighters. Security cameras were subsequently installed at the property.
Industry Reaction and Homelessness Link
Sarika Bhalla, a spokeswoman for the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), stated that break-ins are not commonly reported to the institute.
Bhalla described the situation unfolding in the bayside suburbs as an 'unfortunate case'.
Robert Pradolin, founder and director of Housing All Australians, linked the increase in such incidents directly to a rise in homelessness.
Pradolin stated, "Homelessness has escalated since the last census, partly due to increasing house prices, leading to greater desperation among individuals."