19 Jun
19Jun

Being a real estate agent sounds like a safe and exciting job, showing beautiful homes, meeting new people, and helping clients find their dream property. But what many agents don’t realise is that they are often seen as soft targets by criminals. 

Here’s why:

1. “Crime by Appointment”

Most agents will agree, when you meet a new client, it’s usually a stranger. You get a phone call or an email from someone who wants to view a property. You then set up an appointment and meet them… often alone and in an empty house. Criminals love this situation. They don’t even have to look for a victim, they simply call an agent and set up a “date” for their crime.

2. Easy to Profile

Criminals can easily find out about agents. Your face is on your website and social media. They can see how you dress, what you drive, even your jewellery. If you look wealthy or vulnerable, you could become a target.

3. Working Alone in Isolated Spaces

Many showings happen after hours, or at properties that are empty. When an agent meets a client there, they are often alone. This gives a criminal the perfect opportunity to attack without witnesses around.

4. Assumed Morality

Most agents are kind, friendly, and helpful. Unfortunately, many trust that the person they’re meeting is also a good person. This is called “assumed morality.” Criminals take advantage of this — they know that many people won’t suspect danger until it’s too late.

5. False Sense of Security

Many agents rely on things like:

  • A phone safety app
  • Carrying keys between their fingers
  • Pepper spray buried in a handbag
  • Calling the police

In reality, these do not work well in a real attack. It can take 5 to 15 minutes for police to arrive. In that time, you will need to physically deal with the criminal on your own.

What Can Agents Do About It?

The good news? There are simple ways to make yourself a hard target:

  • Don’t meet clients alone if you can help it.
  • Tell the client that your “partner” will also be arriving.
  • Let someone at your office know exactly where you are and who you are with.
  • Take a photo of the client and their car.
  • Learn how to use basic improvised weapons
  • Take proper self-defence training that is based on real life, not just sport or theory.

The bottom line: If you are an agent, understand that criminals may be looking at you as an easy opportunity. But by using smart safety tactics and learning self-defence, you can take control and protect yourself.Your life is more important than any deal or commission. Always put your safety first.

To book a course, contact us today:

Email: info@cobradefense.co.za

Cell: 082 299 9117

www.cobraselfdefense.co.za

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