Hey David I'm really glad that somebody finally responded something reasonable. Hopefully this checking of background is going to be more strict. My friend was robbed completely the same scenario last week, looks like it's word to mouth among thifts that it's the most convenient and no risky way to steal. But the worst part is that all of this people could have some HIV or Hepatitis or something that can really hurt you and ur family after that guests left.
What should you do in this cas what I did:
call the police immediately. Basically the police can't search in ur guests room, but at least they can scare ur guests and maybe they will return stolen items.
then in 3 days go to the local police department and take the police report
take pictures and videos if its possible, it can be used as an evidence
Collect all you have, including stolen items list with an estimated loss, original purchase receipts, pictures of stolen items like tv or guitar and maybe you have the pics in ur listing, and send everything to Airbnb email.
then all you can do is just wait, and keep calling Airbnb coz as I understood from them their department s are not connected to each other and they can not transfer ur call to the right person, so it's a mess, but keep calling and writing email if nothing works.
Im still hopeful that someone can help me and you and other victims