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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR HOUSE IS BROKEN INTO

If your house has unfortunately been broken into, you will likely find yourself grappling with a bewildering mixture of confusion, worry, and shock. This emotional whirlwind can understandably impede your ability to think as clearly as you normally would. With this in mind, we have diligently compiled a comprehensive list of actions to take in the distressing event of a break-in at your cherished home or business property. Our meticulously crafted step-by-step guide is designed to provide a sense of structure and restore a semblance of order and normality to your life during this undoubtedly challenging period.

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Call the police

If you find yourself in a situation where someone has broken into or burgled your home, you should make sure to call the police immediately. It is imperative you file a report. This is not only for your personal safety, but also so that you can make a claim on your insurance. It is also important that you are careful not to touch anything in the house. This could tamper with potential evidence and hinder your chances at catching the person responsible for the break-in.

When the police arrive, you should make them aware of any video footage from security cameras you may have and give a thorough description of any items that seem to be missing and could have been taken. You will also want to duplicate this list and give it to your insurance company, with an approximate value of any missing items.

 

Find a safe place

Once you have called the police and are waiting for them to arrive, you should find a safe place. This may be a neighbour’s or a friend who lives close by. It is important that you don’t go back into the house. Whilst it is unlikely that the intruder would come back to the house, especially so soon after the break-in, they may still be inside or around the grounds of the house.

Secure the property immediately

Once you have called the police and made sure you are safe, your next step you should do is to make repairs to damages that need immediate attention. There may be broken windows, locks or doors and so it is important you contact your locksmith to resolve these issues as soon as possible, we are available 24/7.

Make a claim with your insurance company

Once you have filed a report to the house and are in a safe place, your next step should be to make a claim with your insurance company. If you have appropriate insurance for your property, you should be able to recover a large amount of what was taken from you. The insurance company will access information from your police file to assist your claim, so make sure you have shared all the necessary information. A claims adjuster may be sent to your home to investigate the claim in person.

Clean up and come to terms with the break in

After filing a report to both the police and insurance company, as long as both are satisfied, you can begin to clean up. This will help you to feel some order is being restored to your life and is a big step to feeling as though you are getting back to normal.

Repair and Improve security

After a break-in, it is vital that you review your security. You should repair any damages to your property that may leave you vulnerable but also consider what made you a target in the first place. The police should be able to assist you in this matter. If you haven’t already got them, it is a good idea to install security cameras, alarms, motion sensors and lights. You can view our article on simple ways to secure your home, for more advice.

If you have any questions regarding how to secure your home or would like our assistance to do so, please or contact us