Calgary police, builders move to curb new home vandalism

Calgary police and home builderswill work together to try to end the problem of vandalism of newly-constructed houses.

In the past year, vandals have broken into 239 newly-built houses just prior to possession by the purchasers.

Thieves have taken tools and appliances from the homesand in some casesvandals have gone to the extent of stuffing drains and turning all the taps on in a residence, leaving them to flood newly installed flooring and soaking drywall.

Builders say that they are typically on the hook for repairs and replacement costs and that they're putting a lot of effort into security.

"This is why we're here to try and prevent this from being an issue to the point where it will drive the costs of homes up," saidJayman Homes safety auditor Trevor Klein.

He says people have to be more aware of what's happening in their communities because property crimes affect more than the builder'sbottom line.

These are people who are very prideful about the work they do. This hurts them. They build a home and then find out its been vandalized, or broken into. This hurts them, physically they take a blow.They don't want this to happen.

The toll on homeowners

The resulting damages are not only costly to builders, but have an impact on new homeowners. They can be left homeless as a result of the vandalism, because possession dates must be pushed back to allow repairs to be made.

Just before Calvin Yip and his sister took possession of their property last September someone broke in and turned on the taps, flooding much of the house.

"I was pretty excited for my first home,I don't want anybody to go through thisor experience it, it's not a great feeling."

Yip said it took quite the toll on himself andhis sister MayeleenZapata

"It's unfortunate, but we're real people behind it, who were affected greatly," said Zapata.

"Whoever came into our home to do that was either unaware of the impact that it would have on a family, or they simply just didn't care."

Calgary police are asking the public to watch for the followingsigns of new home vandalism.

"There's no doubt about it, that we need more information to help us moreroutinely catch the criminals that are responsible,"saidCst. SarahKillington.

It's certainly increasing, year on year, that's fair to say, but I think again we need to put that into perspectiveby recognizing that the city is growing at an enormousrate."

Suspicious people and vehicles, who may be about at odd times. Most contractors are prohibited from working between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• Large box-style trucks pulling up after normal working hours should be considered suspicious.
• Brand new appliances sold online or through other means, without proof of purchase, or warranty, may be the product of a theft.
• Workers should be able to provide proof of employment such as a business card, if requested.

Anyone with information related to new home vandalism is asked to call403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at1-800-222-8477.