Realtors warned of muggers
2007-10-05 · Les Twarog & Sonja Pedersen
Agent attacked by fake homebuyers
Clare Ogilvie
Province
The Lower Mainland's 11,000 realtors are on the lookout for two thugs who bound and gagged a real-estate agent when she turned up to show a Surrey home.
"We have something called Realty Watch," said Kelvin Neufeld, president-elect of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.
"We took the information on the two people [whom the police] are looking for and we texted that out to 11,000 realtors in the Lower Mainland.
"We are really well connected, with telephones and pagers and so on . . . and as soon as we see something we'll make the call."
Police are worried the pair will strike again.
"We are a little concerned and we are hoping that this won't be a serial case here, so we are asking the public for any information," said Const. Kevin McLaughlin of Surrey RCMP.
The middle-aged realtor was attacked Tuesday after being lured to a home in the 16400-block 86B Avenue by would-be buyers.
She was bound and gagged by two Asians who stole her personal belongings and fled. She freed herself and sought help from a neighbour.
"When you think about it, it could have been so bad," said Neufeld.
"We are really happy that she is OK. As bad as it was, it could have been worse."
Neufeld said realtors are being warned to be extra-vigilant.
They should meet clients at the office or at a busy place before heading out to show a home.
At the very least, said Neufeld, they should get a phone number from whomever is asking to see a home and should avoid showing a home alone in the evening.
There have been several serious attacks on realtors in past years.
In June 2003 a Vancouver realtor was tied up and robbed as she showed a condominium.
In October 1993 realtor Janet McLeod was beaten and left for dead at an open house in Duncan. She survived.
In March 1985 realtor Beverley Seto was stabbed 29 times and killed while showing a house in Abbotsford.
One of the robbers in Tuesday's attack is in his late 20s, six feet tall, with a trim build and short hair. The other is about five feet three inches, with short, dark hair. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if you can help.