how to handle guests stealing?

[Hl0]

Had anyone had the unfortunate situation of finding out about a guest stealing and needing to confront them on the spot? Earlier this afternoon, I just realized that one of the guests staying with me was carrying my handbag while she was on the way out, and having realized the handbag, I *curiously asked her whether she bought the same handbag, and then realizes that it was my own. ( I have some scratches and a handwritten tag on the bag which was unique to the bag.) At first the guest claims that she purchased the bag at XXX market, that she has the receipt, blah blah blah, and with her bluffing me back saying that it is very serious to accuse her of stealing. However, I went through my stuff and on confirming that she took the handbag ( luckily I had took detailed pictures of the handbag before) and confirmed that she took my handbag. 

At first I was still very polite and was even scared when my guest bluffed me, yet later on the guest realized the seriousness of this situation and we both agreed that she will leave my place. ( I decided not to report this to the police given that she is still a young girl and don't want this to ruin her future.)

I later called airbnb to report this incident and to ask for their advice, which the only 'advice' that I got from them was to leave a negative feedback for the guest and then they will look into it. ( and meanwhile the guest is also open to leave feedback for me as well).

I have to say this is a really frustrating situation with dishonest guests, and moreover airbnb's response rendering me an immense feeling of helplessness. ( no support. not advice/ guidance whatsoever). I defeinitely feel very vulnerable as a host given that airbnb has always prompts us to put instant book on while they are not able to provide much help and support under times of need, when we the hosts are exposing our homes to build up their brand name. 

Wondering if anyone has ever had this situation, and how would you deal with it? What should I do in case the guest leaves bad reviews?

[Stella250]

My last guest from Montreal who booked three nights broke into my boathouse and stole my brand new outboard engine. He injured himself while breaking the lock and used my bandages in the rental to fix himself up. Police did not want to do DNA even though I have blood in the shed and in the wastebasket inside! Too small of a crime I guess but I am out $3000 If you want his name message me 

[Linda108]

@Stella250   So your police authorities did not accept the case and follow up with your information about a theft?!  Really?  Why? Doesn't make sense to me.  You can leave a thumbs down review including the information of any host should contact you regarding the suitability of the guest for Air BNB.  Be careful about a public accusation in your review as it can be removed, especially if your own authhorities are not accepting your report.

[Marco94]

saturday i hosted a family of 2 with a 3 yrs baby. did not make the check out, when i went to clean the apartment i realized two himalaya salt lamps missing and a usb multisocket too. 70 euros value at lest. i asked for the refound via airbnb and still waiting, i went to the police to report and sent it to airbnb but the main issue is that airbnb has to stop these accounts.  with airbnb host are weak, there is not care. these thieves can still write me a review. no way!!!!

[Joe2276]

My first guests stole my xbox. I believe they cancelled their trip, not so they could get a refund, but so that I cannot leave negative feedback! I wonder how to deal with this?

[Linda108]

@Joe2276  Is this your first experience with a guest?  I don't see any reviews so I am sorry if this is your first experience.  Please provide a bit more infor as your post is a bit confusing.  Your guest checked in and then checked out and some how stole your xbox? How did that happen?  If the guest checked in then you should be prompted to give a review.

[Vicky595]

I booked a Airbnb for someone that told me she was homeless with her two kids and needed me to book her Airbnb at the time I was only thinking about the children and she stole from airbnbs trying to frame me.

[Helen3]

so sorry to hear of your experiences @Vicky595 

do you mean you made a third party booking for this woman to stay at an airbnb? Why would you do this rather having her book directly 

not only are third party booking against Airbnb's T&C but you as the one who books will be liable for damage /theft 

How did she try to 'frame you?

' people in the UK who are genuinely homeless wouldn't be able to afford to live in an Airbnb as our housing benefits wouldn't cover the generally high costs of staying in an STR

and the state would never allow children to sleep on the streets . I can't I'm imagine in a wealthy country like the US that your government would either ? 

[Vicky595]

Basically she called me late at night and told me she had no where to go and didn’t have an id at the time to create an account so I booked her an Airbnb and I opened the account for her to see her booking but she went in and changed my number and email and lied to Airbnb to get free rooms and then stole $3,000 worth of things at the time I was only thinking about the two children she had and were they were sleeping but instead she used me and stole my identity and framed me by creating fake receipts with my name