Inman

Police officers school Realtors on safety

Following several recently reported incidents of crimes against Realtors, the Houston Association of Realtors and the Houston Police Department have partnered to create, “Project: Sold on Safety,” teaching Realtors basic safety practices to use in their business.

Realtor security is a cause for concern because Realtors regularly show open houses and meet with clients alone whom they have little or no information about. 

One example of a potentially dangerous situation occurred last month, when a female Houston Association of Realtors member reported that a potential male client contacted her by phone and asked if she was single. He insisted the agent come alone to show him potential properties, but the Realtor reportedly went with her instincts and decided against meeting him.

HAR and HPD conducted one in a series of programs on Wednesday, Feb. 9. The session was held at Stewart Title in the POC-III Conference Center, in Houston.

Members from various real estate firms in Houston and surrounding communities took part in the safety program. Officer Jesse Martinez of the Houston Police Department informed participants on various personal safety issues, including how to stay safe when out in the field or in the car, and what to do when meeting clients or when caught in an unsafe situation.

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