You’re Not a Cop or Firefighter…but You Still May Be in a High-risk Profession

One of my audiences is real estate agents. I present programs on personal security and how they can avoid and remove themselves from dangerous situations. You see, as crazy as it seems, real estate agents are targeted by criminals every day. Rape, robbery and murder are some of the issues they face.

Leighvalleylive reports that a man approached a model home asking if he could see it. The agent, a woman, quickly felt odd in this man’s company and told him to go inside by himself. The man returned 45 minutes later and said the home had a water leak and insisted the agent come with him to look at it, but she chose not to. When the agent’s male coworker entered the room where they were talking, the man abruptly left. When the saleswoman went into the home, she could not find a leak—but she did notice the bedroom’s curtains had been shut and the lights turned off.

The police were called. They researched the man’s truck registration, found the truck and, they report, uncovered a knapsack containing matches, duct tape, two handguns, ammunition, rope, a ski mask, metal chains and padlocks, among other items.

Scary.

It’s not just real estate agents: cab drivers, late-night store clerks and other professionals are considered at risk, too. When dealing with the public, it can lead to troublesome behaviors by select weirdoes.

If you are in a high-risk profession, you need to think about security both on and off the job.

On the job, always be suspect of everyone you encounter. Trust your gut, ask inquisitive questions and seek out their motivations. If something seems wrong, it is wrong. Due to the nature of your job, there will be situations unique to you. Investigate what the proper safety/security procedures are, and exercise them daily. Always stay on your toes and never let your guard down.

Off the job, your home is your haven and should be treated as such. Invest in a home security system and sleep peacefully after a crazy day dealing with the public.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.