The U.S. Department of Justice reports that there are over a million break-ins reported annually with half being home invasions.1 Imagine coming home from your summer vacation, relaxed and ready to jump back into your busy life again only to find that your home had been burglarized while you were away.
Most people don’t really consider making their homes less vulnerable before they leave simply because a burglary has never happened to them. It’s time to rethink that, because a break-in can happen at any time to any home in any area.
A locksmith can improve your home’s security from doors and door locks to sliding doors and the latest in security systems.
Here are some steps to take and what to expect after a break-in or burglary occurs.
The first order of business is to make sure that everyone stays safe. Don’t enter your home if you suspect it has been burglarized. Call the police immediately and report the burglary. If you entered the home without realizing it had been burglarized, leave immediately and call the police. Do not touch anything.
File a Report
Before the police leave, ask how you can receive a copy of the police report. Ask for the report number, the name of the officer that took the report, what agency the law enforcement officer works for (as some jurisdictions have multiple law enforcement agencies that may respond depending on availability) and a phone number where you can reach the officer with questions.2
After the police have made sure that your home is safe and they have collected any evidence they need to investigate the crime, take note of any stolen or damaged property by making a written list and by photographing any damage.
Call your Insurance and Bank
Try to be as thorough as possible, but if you realize later that there were items stolen you didn’t put on the list, you can generally update the list you provided to the police and insurance company. Don’t throw out any damaged items until your insurance claim is settled.
The next step is to contact your home insurance company. Receipts for big ticket items are usually required by the insurance company so it is best to store them in a file in your fire proof safe and keep a digital copy of relevant receipts.3
If you have a list of internet passwords that a thief could have accessed, change your passwords, especially on critical websites such as bank accounts, credit card sites, online shopping sites, employer retirement and benefits sites, etc.
A thief may not have taken the book or paper where these passwords were written, but they may have taken a photo of the passwords with their smart phone. Notify your financial institution and investment institutions that your home has been burglarized.
Secure your Doors and Locks
After all the initial activities of reporting the burglary are completed it is a good idea to invest in more secure door locks, better outdoor lighting and a home security system. Once your home has been burglarized it is likely to be burglarized again within two years.4 This is because the thief knows that you will most likely have replaced the stolen items with new items once you received payment from your insurance company. The burglar also knows the layout of your home, making it easier to get in and out with stolen merchandise.
Understand that a home invasion is a traumatic event for everyone in the family. Initially you or family members will feel anxious, which is understandable. It is also possible that after some time you will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Talking about your feeling with friends, family, or a professional counselor can be very helpful.5
The Key Role of a Locksmith
Securing your home can also make you feel more in control. A professional locksmith can provide expert advice on how to improve your home’s security. They can also install all the necessary security upgrades. Improving security will not only give you some peace of mind, it may also lower your home insurance costs.
At Action Locksmith, we’ve seen a lot are never surprised to see how vulnerable a home or business can be due to failing doors, locks, door walls and security systems. We help homeowners make their homes secure by bringing everything up to date and up to code so they can live with peace of mind. Call to schedule a survey of your home’s security today!
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1 Burglary Statistics, 7/19/2024
Link: https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/burglary-statistics/
2, 4 4 Steps to Take Immediately After Your Home is Burglarized by Geoff Williams, 5/17/2016
Link: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2016-05-17/4-steps-to-take-immediately-after-your-home-is-burglarized
3 What to Do if Your Home is Burglarized by Nick Gerhardt, 7/2/2024
Link: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/things-to-do-if-your-home-gets-broken-into
5 How Your Family Can Recover After a Burglary by Katie McEntire , 10/22/2023
Link: https://www.safewise.com/blog/how-your-family-can-recover-after-a-burglary/