 Urgent Warning for Vacant Property Owners

Your Vacant Home Will Get Broken Into. Call Me Before It Does.

Fresno and the Central Valley have some of the highest rates of vacant property break-ins in California. Thieves watch for signs of vacancy — mail piling up, lights never on, overgrown grass. Once they know a home is empty, the clock starts.

I will help you secure the property — or give you the direct number for someone who can board it up, re-key the locks, and seal every access point. Same day.

Call Now: (559) 281-8016

This Happened to Me — Connor Alder

"On Roosevelt Ave in Fresno — and on other properties I've owned throughout the Valley — I've had people crawl under the house, drill up through the bathroom floor, and gain access to the property that way. Raised-foundation homes have a subfloor that most owners never think about. Thieves do."

This is not a hypothetical. Vacant homes in Fresno, Bakersfield, Visalia, and throughout the Central Valley are targeted systematically. Copper gets stripped. Appliances disappear. Squatters move in. And once a squatter is in, California law makes removal a months-long legal process.

The cost of securing a vacant property is a few hundred dollars. The cost of not securing it — copper theft, vandalism, squatter removal, insurance denial — can run $10,000–$50,000+. Call me before it gets to that point.

Every Access Point That Will Be Used Against You

Thieves are methodical. They check every one of these. You need to secure every one of these.

Doors & Locks

Standard door locks are defeated in seconds. Every exterior door needs a deadbolt — and ideally a door reinforcement kit. Sliding doors need a bar in the track.

Windows

Broken or unlocked windows are the most common entry point. Board them or install window pins. Even a cracked window signals vacancy to anyone watching.

Crawl Spaces & Subfloor

On raised-foundation homes, thieves crawl underneath and drill up through the bathroom floor. Connor has had this happen personally on Roosevelt Ave in Fresno. Secure every crawl space vent and access panel.

Attic & Roof Vents

Attic access hatches and large roof vents are used to enter vacant homes — especially in older Central Valley properties. Check and secure them.

Copper & Utilities

Copper theft is epidemic in vacant Fresno properties. Thieves strip HVAC units, water heaters, and plumbing within days of a home going vacant. Turn off utilities and consider a copper theft deterrent spray.

Garage & Side Gates

Detached garages and side yard gates are often forgotten. A padlocked gate and a secured garage door (disconnect the opener, use a lock bar) are essential.

If Your Property Is Vacant Right Now — Call Immediately

Connor will either help you secure it personally or connect you with a trusted contact who can board it up, re-key every lock, and seal every crawl space and access point — including under the house — the same day you call.

(559) 281-8016 — Call Now

If You're Dealing With a Vacant Property, a Cash Sale May Be the Cleanest Exit

Inherited homes, probate properties, and homes left vacant after a family member passes are the most common targets. Every month a vacant home sits, it costs you — insurance, property taxes, utilities, security, and the ongoing risk of vandalism and theft.

Probate / Inherited

Foreclosure Help

Sell House Fast

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can you respond to a vacant property emergency?

Call Connor directly at (559) 281-8016. He will either respond personally or immediately connect you with a trusted property security contact who can board up, re-key, and secure all access points — including crawl spaces and subfloor entry points — the same day.

What access points do thieves actually use on vacant homes?

Every one you can think of — and several you wouldn't. Windows, doors, and garage entries are obvious. Less obvious: crawl spaces under raised-foundation homes, subfloor drill-throughs into bathrooms, unlocked attic hatches, and pet doors. Connor has personally dealt with subfloor break-ins on properties in Fresno, including on Roosevelt Ave. These are not hypothetical.

My family member just passed and the home is sitting empty. What should I do first?

Secure it immediately — before you do anything else. Change the locks, board any broken windows, and check the crawl space if it's a raised foundation. Then call Connor. He can help you decide whether a cash sale, a listing, or simply holding the property makes the most sense for your situation.

Does homeowner's insurance cover break-ins at vacant properties?

Often not — or not fully. Most standard homeowner's policies have a vacancy clause that reduces or eliminates coverage after 30–60 days of vacancy. If the home has been empty for more than 30 days, call your insurance agent today and ask specifically about vacant property coverage.

Can I sell a home that has already been broken into or vandalized?

Yes. Connor buys homes in any condition — including properties that have been vandalized, had copper stolen, or been damaged by squatters. You do not need to repair anything. Call and describe the situation honestly and he will make a fair offer.