Would you let someone into your home with permission to dig through your things without your direct supervision? People do it all the time with new housekeepers, construction workers, painters, etc. These people are usually recommended by friends or "reputable" companies, but the risk of theft still arises.
Recently I've dealt with two situations. The first where someone was having some renovations completed and two of his jewelry items were stolen by the workers totaling about $22,000 (luckily one of the items was recovered). The second where this lady was very busy and was in desperate need of having her home cleaned before a large party. She didn't have time to supervise the cleaning lady she hired. A couple months later she realizes a significant amount of her jewelry is missing.
You're probably thinking "But I'm smarter than that, I hire trustworthy people." Or better yet, "I'm home when they're working. What do I have to worry about?"
The truth of the matter is we have to depend on other people to help, but it's hard to be sure we can trust them.
So how should you protect yourself?
1) Hire from a recommended and backed service who does background checks on all their employees.
2) Use referrals from close friends.
3) Protect yourself with valuable articles coverage for your more expensive items that might be at home outside of your supervision.
4) If you hire someone that is paid directly by you (an individual that does not work for a contract company or a cleaning company) make sure to do your research and reach out to your agent to see if you have employment practices liability coverage for domestics available to you.
5) Always keep your valuables out of sight.
6) Periodically spot check the work of the people coming to your home.
Have you been victimized? What do you do to protect yourself? I want to hear from you!
