Post by High Priestess on Aug 4, 2016 22:33:23 GMT
See the article:
www.king5.com/news/bellevue-police-investigating-theft-during-airbnb-stay/287276549
A warning anyone for who's ever advertised their home on Airbnb.
Police in Bellevue are now investigating a bizarre theft in which thieves cleaned out a house, stealing everything from jewelry to clothing and even cleaning supplies.
No arrests have been made, but detectives say the theft took place while an Airbnb guest was staying at the home in July.
"We have contacted Airbnb and we are trying to get the name of the renter that was supposed to be staying in the resident that night," said Officer Seth Tyler wit hthe Bellevue Police Department. "We're working with them on that aspect of it and following up on some additional leads."
Homeowner Mehdi Buigi went by his home to check on things on the day his Airbnb guests were due to leave. When he got there, he saw several people loading his personal belongings into a waiting car.
"I couldn't believe it," said Buigi. "Airbnb promotes heavily, if you look on their website, it says peace of mind, and basically is says everything is going to be secure."
Buigi says the items taken included private personal documents that were locked up in a storage shed, including his marriage certificate. Buigi says the thieves even raided his wife's closet and took clothing and most of her shoes. Items were also taken from the kitchen and the bathrooms. Even the family's laundry detergent was stolen. Underwear was stolen.
"They were going to take everything," said Buigi. "I think they were planning to empty the house."
When he confronted them in his driveway, Buigi says the thieves jumped in a car and took off. That's when he called 911.
Bellevue Police say it's early in the investigation, but the theft does appear to be connected to Airbnb in some way. The guest booked a two-night stay at Buigi's home using the company's instant booking option. According to Airbnb's website, the Instant Book listings don't require approval from the host before booking, meaning Buigi had no contact with the guests before their arrival.
"So our advice is that if you can, disable that instant booking feature," said Tyler. "Make that prospective renter contact you, check into their past history. It absolutely is homeowner beware when you're using these types of services. It's up to you to make sure you properly vet who is going to be staying at your property."
So far, Buigi says he's gotten little response from Airbnb.
THis was an INSTANT BOOK reservation!!!
www.king5.com/news/bellevue-police-investigating-theft-during-airbnb-stay/287276549
A warning anyone for who's ever advertised their home on Airbnb.
Police in Bellevue are now investigating a bizarre theft in which thieves cleaned out a house, stealing everything from jewelry to clothing and even cleaning supplies.
No arrests have been made, but detectives say the theft took place while an Airbnb guest was staying at the home in July.
"We have contacted Airbnb and we are trying to get the name of the renter that was supposed to be staying in the resident that night," said Officer Seth Tyler wit hthe Bellevue Police Department. "We're working with them on that aspect of it and following up on some additional leads."
Homeowner Mehdi Buigi went by his home to check on things on the day his Airbnb guests were due to leave. When he got there, he saw several people loading his personal belongings into a waiting car.
"I couldn't believe it," said Buigi. "Airbnb promotes heavily, if you look on their website, it says peace of mind, and basically is says everything is going to be secure."
Buigi says the items taken included private personal documents that were locked up in a storage shed, including his marriage certificate. Buigi says the thieves even raided his wife's closet and took clothing and most of her shoes. Items were also taken from the kitchen and the bathrooms. Even the family's laundry detergent was stolen. Underwear was stolen.
"They were going to take everything," said Buigi. "I think they were planning to empty the house."
When he confronted them in his driveway, Buigi says the thieves jumped in a car and took off. That's when he called 911.
Bellevue Police say it's early in the investigation, but the theft does appear to be connected to Airbnb in some way. The guest booked a two-night stay at Buigi's home using the company's instant booking option. According to Airbnb's website, the Instant Book listings don't require approval from the host before booking, meaning Buigi had no contact with the guests before their arrival.
"So our advice is that if you can, disable that instant booking feature," said Tyler. "Make that prospective renter contact you, check into their past history. It absolutely is homeowner beware when you're using these types of services. It's up to you to make sure you properly vet who is going to be staying at your property."
So far, Buigi says he's gotten little response from Airbnb.
THis was an INSTANT BOOK reservation!!!