Vandalism in Harwich, MA more than Just Malicious Mischief

10/12/2015 (Permalink)

Vandalism cleanup may be covered under your insurance policy.

While it took the three bears nearly a full day to determine that Goldilocks had broken into their house and had been sitting in their chairs, eating their porridge, and sleeping in their beds, in real life it typically takes the average homeowner less than a few minutes to discover that their home has been vandalized.

Victims of this crime will tell you that it leaves them feeling violated and vulnerable. While the motivation behind most house breaks is robbery, many of those crimes involve some degree of property damage and even vandalism. Oftentimes, vandals will break into a house and use it as a place to stay during a cold winter. Called squatters, these vandals can do a certain degree of damage to the home. The worst damage, however, has come from teen offenders. 

Properties with vandalism by teenagers who used the vacant house as a place to party and hang out can be a property owner's nightmare. But they went well beyond just hanging out and drinking beer. The kids threw parties, broke glass, set off the fire extinguishers throughout the property and left the refrigerator doors open so all the food spoiled, leaving a pungent odor behind. The cleanup from this type of vandalism required much more than just a good scrubbing to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Hint: Our services to cleanup the vandalism were covered by the property owner's insurance policy. Check your policy to see if you have this type of coverage too. 

Our Advice: Consider purchasing an alarm system or hiring a caretaker (one that comes with references from people you know and trust is the best) to check on your property on a regular basis. Both of these are great ways to protect your property while you are away… not only from unwanted guests but also other hidden problems like water damage.  

What to do if you believe your home has been broken into.