Fairfax County Police Officer Shares Strategies at NVAR Safety Event

“Detect, Deter, Deny and Delay.” These are the four steps emphasized by Master Police Officer Patrick Lucas of the Fairfax County Police Crime Prevention Unit at the NVAR Fairfax headquarters on April 6.

With the spring real estate season in full bloom, open house signs are sprouting on street corners across Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, house hunters are not the only visitors to walk through the doors of a listed property. 

Realtor® safety has been on the minds of many in the profession. News reports over the last several months have put a spotlight on the issue of safety, as Realtors® across the country have been victimized. 

Lucas spoke to about 40 members during the April safety event. The veteran police officer, who delivers Realtor® safety presentations throughout Northern Virginia, said Realtors® need to have a plan during open houses and work in tandem. 

Lucas said that displaying a home and its floorplan online may be a major advantage for attracting potential buyers, but it also gives potential burglars that information. “Mentally be prepared before going into a house when showing someone the property,” he said. 

Lucas recommended using the non-emergency police line to report suspicious activity and to not be afraid to report anything, no matter how small it may be. 

“If it doesn't get reported, it doesn't show up on our records," he said. That contact information can be found on the county website at: fairfaxcounty.gov/police. Incident reports can also be filed online.

 “You have an instinct during open houses; use it,” Lucas said. “You have to be able to read people and see what their intentions may be.” 

For additional safety information, visit the NAR website at: realtor.org/safety.

John Marcario is the former NVAR marketing manager.