How to Protect Property at a Party House

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ProtectPropertyPartyHouse
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How to Protect Property at a Party House

Introduction

It's great fun to belong to a party house. Usually a part of a university community, a party house happens when a group of students who rent a house together decide to open that house up to the community for an all-night drunken dance fest (or other similar occasion). But many times, a party house suffers from what retail industries call "product loss" or "shrinkage." On the infamous day after, one or more residents report missing items, anything from jewelry and money to books, CDs and DVDs. That's when you have to start figuring out how to guard your stuff for next time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Provide all renters with a pre-party notice, allowing them to get all of their personal possessions into their own rooms. Don't leave collective CD cases or other valuables out in the front hall. Make sure each renter knows it is their responsibility to protect themselves from loss.
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Step Two

Do some creative locking. Even today, in the 21st century, many rental houses lack locks on room doors. This is a huge trust issue, especially in a party house. You may want to appoint a "lock czar." a clever individual who knows how to go to the hardware store, buy and install hardware like chain latches and padlocks, and help them to outfit each room. It won't be expensive, but it will require some brainstorming. You might also have to talk to the landlord about any modifications.
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Step Three

Appoint a watchman. This job will involve carefully monitoring party goers during the festivities to spot out surreptitious lifting of goods. The watchperson should commit to abstaining from alcohol during their watches.
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Step Four

Create off-limits areas. Garages, basements, crawlspaces, secret tunnels, or master bathrooms are examples of places that can be locked, walled off, or otherwise restricted during the party, to prevent theft, and to make sure you don't wind up with unwelcome guests in the morning.
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Step Five

Flag repeat offenders. There are often certain people who are suspected or even caught in the act. If you do see a theft happening, get all party planners together and evict that individual from current and future parties. Let them know they are unwelcome and escort them out.
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