Copper theft continues to be an unexpected and expensive problem…for those who own apartments, commercial and other RE buildings/assets.

Below are five interesting articles related to copper theft–and a number of smart/bright recommendations. Please share these stories with those on your leadership, leasing and maintenance teams~

$750,000 In Damages From Copper Theft
http://www.cultureofsafety.com/safety-tips/copper-theft/

Copper Theft Suspect Caught In The Act
http://woonsocket.patch.com/articles/copper-theft-suspect-caught-in-the-act

1. Feet of Copper Pipe Stolen

http://local.nixle.com/alert/4761260/

Deterring Copper Theft At Commercial Buildings
http://blog.picor.com/bid/41723/Deterring-Copper-Theft-at-Commercial-Buildings

$500,000 In Damages From Copper Theft
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/126331303.html

Within your property management company—-what are your policies/procedures for how often your team is checking the exterior lighting at your apartment and commercial RE buildings—especially at the locations where your HVAC units are located? How often do you send communication to your residents/tenants—reminding them about the procedures of alerting management if they see some unusual behavior? How can a partnership with local law enforcement…help to prevent copper theft?

Focusing on the expensive theft of copper…how does this tie into your real estate and apartment/commercial building insurance coverage? What does your insurance policy require regarding vacant buildings where copper theft is more common? When using a combination of security and alarms…how does this impact your real estate building insurance coverage?

Would you like our team to do a comprehensive review of your real estate building insurance coverage—related to copper theft?

To learn more about this topic and to read the news, trends and ideas being shared by PM leaders—join the discussion thread below~with 25+ posts.

Industry Knowledge, Real Estate Building Insurance
http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&gid=36805&type=member&item=76772122&qid=0dc2d3c2-c9cd-4dc8-b481-ed2e4f93d5cb&goback=%2Egna_36805

Your LinkedIn group owner/moderator

Craig Simmons

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Power Insurance & Risk Management Group
http://www.PIRMG.com

Interesting article below—related to the investment opportunities with UDR, Avalonbay and Equity.

Is Timing Right For Apartment REITs?
http://seekingalpha.com/article/318371-is-the-timing-right-for-apartment-reits

Your take on this article—from an investing/investment point of view?

To learn more about this topic and to read the news, trends and ideas being shared by PM leaders…join the discussion thread below~with 90+ posts.

Industry Knowledge, REIT Trends & News
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Your LinkedIn group owner/moderator

Patricia McLoughlin

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For the list of the Best 84 Property Management Industry Knowledge discussions, surf here: http://www.powerhour.com/propertymanagement/linkedingroups.html#ik

***The fastest way to raise your success within our LinkedIn group is to make a post on one of the discussion threads on the url above—that will be seen by 9,500,000+ property management leaders/readers/members over the next 365 days~

After reading-about the leasing agent who was raped in Houston…I have been receiving a stream of great tips, suggestions and strategies that will help leasing agents tour more safely.

Below is one from Brent Sobol…that was crisp—and helpful.

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Ten safety tips for leasing agents going on tour:

1. Only show during office hours.

1. Prequalify prospects a bit first.

1. Always copy their ID before showing–make it policy.

1. Let a team member know you’re showing. Or bring a team member along.

1. Consider creating a model that is close to your leasing/management office.

1. Have a cell phone when you show.

1. Make sure the blinds are open and lights are on in the apartment being shown.

1. For some, consider packing heat or carrying mace.

1. Never accept cash for anything.

1. Your ideas? What else would you add to this list? _____________________

Your LinkedIn group owner/moderator

Brent Sobol,

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To learn more about this topic and to read the news, trends and ideas being shared by PM leaders…join the discussion thread below~with 85+ posts.

Industry Knowledge, Crime Prevention & Security
http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&gid=36805&type=member&item=69668654&qid=1f421271-d6e1-4d60-be72-9f805404410d&goback=%2Egna_36805