Home owners are being warned to hide valuables and keep watch for shady characters during open homes after a couple stole jewellery from an Auckland property.
A couple viewing a house in the suburb of Kohimarama made off with jewellery, cheque books and other valuable items during a recent open home, a police spokeswoman says.
The couple had allegedly signed the real estate agent's register with fake names and contact details.
Real Estate Institute chief executive Helen O'Sullivan told NZ Newswire thefts during open homes don't happen often but home owners and agents should be on guard.
"In this particular situation one person may have distracted the agent while the other stole the items," she said.
"It is something agents are really mindful of and they need to be."
Agents usually check whether any valuables have been left out before an open home and watch out for people acting suspiciously, Ms O'Sullivan says.
Valuable items should be put out of sight and expensive items locked away.
She also recommends home owners check if their agent has public liability insurance as normal home insurance may not cover thefts during open homes.
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