Agents with personal safety issues on their agenda should beware of how they and their colleagues use social networking sites.
The warning came from the father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, who spoke at a meeting in York attended by members of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and organised by Carole Carter, regional representative of ARLA.
Peter Lawrence, whose daughter’s disappearance in 2009 is being treated as murder, said much more advice and education needs to be provided about the potential perils of websites such as Facebook.
Suzy Lamplugh was the London agent who vanished in 1986 after showing someone round a property. Her body has never been found but she has been declared dead. Her mother, Diana, set up the trust in her memory but died in August without ever knowing for sure what had happened to her daughter.
Mr Lawrence said he felt the amount of information posted through social media outlets can create dangers.
He said: “I often feel there is not enough being done to impress on children and young people the importance of keeping some things private.
“It is something I feel very strongly about. Some people will go out and put a message on Facebook saying when they will be out of their home, and I find that sort of thing is just crazy – they have to take precautions.
“There is no suggestion that Claudia did not look after her personal safety, but it is an extremely important issue, especially when people are going out on their own.”
Claudia’s father said that speaking at events helped to maintain a spotlight on the continuing search for his daughter.
Comments
What's the ??? for ARLA Girl?
???
I fully agree, the other posts were distasteful to say the least. I was just a bit concerned I was being lumped in with them!
@CL
As you can see the other posts have been removed.
There is simply nothing even remotely humurous in this subject and certainly not to warrant absurd posts.
I take your points and they are reasonably made though as agents cannot even afford to send staff on courses to train them to actually do their job properly never mind defend themselves there is zero chance of that happening!!
IO what did I say that was so wrong? I don't think enough is done to safeguard Agents safety. The suggestions I made about the keys, nails and shoes are what I do when ever I attend an empty property. Same sort of thing when I go out with the girls at night.
You've all obviously not had staff attacked as I have including an armed raid.
Not at all funny and you should all be ashamed of yourselves other than the post immediately below this one.
I just cannot believe how unprofessional and idiotic some of you are.
I'm sorry, Mr Lawrence, if you are reading these posts, they must give you a pretty dim view of estate agents.
It is pretty much common sense....but the message is needed as there are some idiots out there.
Stick to your guns and dogs - it requires less thought for you!! :P
Or you can make sure you have sharp nails, strong heels/toes on your shoes and keep the keys to the property in your hand at all times.
ARLA Man, although spoken in jest, some self defence/martial arts training would be a good idea for all agents.