Short-term rental accommodation providers have been urged to take security precautions when receiving online bookings after damage and theft occurred in Orange in the past two weeks.
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Tim Mortimer, who runs the Bnb Made Easy short-term rental business in Orange, said he was aware of incidents at two properties.
He said bookings for both properties were received in the name of a woman who requested five day stays, arrived late at night and paid in advance.
Mr Mortimer said bookings were made through a well-known online agency, which was not Airbnb.
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He said it was an isolated incident. "We've had over 400 stays, this is one case," he said.
Mr Mortimer said it appeared a couple had stayed at both homes though several extra cars were seen at one of the properties.
We can all help each other.
- Tim Mortimer, Bnb Made Easy
He said it was understood the guests had worked on a car and a motorbike in the houses' garages.
Mr Mortimer said nearby residents had complained about late night noise during the stays, one property was damaged, small items were stolen and smoking had occurred inside the houses which was against the booking rules.
He said one of the properties was broken into after the stay ended.
Central West District Police crime manager Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said police were investigating a break and enter at one of the properties in which small items were stolen.
The last time I heard of something like this in our region was 18 months ago.
- Caddie Marshall, Orange 360 general manager
Mr Mortimer urged providers to take security precautions when allowing guests to rent their homes.
"We can all help each other," he said.
Mr Mortimer said they should have the appropriate insurance and could ask guests for driver's licences and security bonds.
He said they should alert Orange360 if there were any problems so that other providers could be warned.
In this case an email was circulated to accommodation providers warning them about the incidents.
Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall said online booking was vital for accommodation providers even though they did come with a slight risk.
"The last time I heard of something like this in our region was 18 months ago," she said.
"While there is a risk, there is a minimal risk considering however many bookings are made in the region," she said.
Ms Marshall said Orange360 could keep providers informed of any incidents involving accommodation.
"We are a conduit of information. We can keep you informed, it's not alarmist," she said.