Burglars ransacked a home that was recently sold, leaving the new owner with thousands of dollars in damage and lost property.
“Albuquerque in particular has an issue with property crime,” Gavin Malm, a realtor involved with the property, told KRQE recently. “I came over to check on the property. They just closed on it I believe on the 9th of December.”
When Malm arrived at the home in northeast Albuquerque, he noticed the front door was kicked in and burglars had taken whatever of value remained.
“Usually they are empty but this one they took the refrigerator and the kitchen range,” he said.
Making matters worse, the entire house was flooded from water pouring out of a water line that was cut from its connection to the refrigerator, soaking the kitchen floors, the entry room and all of the carpet in the living room
“They intentionally flooded the house literally like a scene out of Home Alone,” Malm said.
He estimated the damage could be up to $40,000.
“Depending on what they have to do with the walls and everything the flooring, the carpet all of these cabinets need to be replaced obviously appliances,” Malm said. “I am going to say it’s probably going to be at least $25,000 to $40,000.”
Insurance should cover the cost of the repairs and property loss. The owner is also installing cameras to prevent similar incidents.