Coming home to find you’ve been broken into is upsetting, and it’s hard to know where to start. Knowing what to do first can help the police do their job, support your insurance claim and make your home secure again.
If you’re in this position, here’s a sensible order of action.
Put safety first
If you think someone may still be inside, or you see signs of forced entry, don’t go in. Go somewhere safe, such as a neighbour’s home, and call 999. If the intruder has gone and you feel safe, you can go in, but don’t take any risks.
Don’t disturb the scene
Try not to touch or tidy anything until the police have been. Offenders can leave fingerprints, footprints and other evidence, and the more the scene is disturbed, the harder it is to find. It’s tempting to check what’s missing, but wait for the police and make notes afterwards.
Report the crime
Report the burglary as soon as possible, using 999 if it’s happening or has only just happened, or 101 if not. The sooner the police know, the better the chance of gathering useful evidence. If you have CCTV, save the footage and let the police know, as it could help identify those responsible. Make a note of your crime reference number, as your insurer will ask for it.
Things to have to hand
- Your crime reference number
- A list of stolen items, with descriptions, serial numbers and photos if you have them
- Photos of any damage before repairs begin, once the police have finished
- Your insurance policy details and contact number
- Receipts for emergency repairs
Contact your insurer and secure the property
Tell your home insurer as soon as you can. Check your policy for what’s covered and any conditions, such as security requirements. If a door or window has been damaged, arrange an emergency repair so the property isn’t left open to another attempt, and keep any receipts.
Review your security
Once the immediate issues are dealt with, look at how the burglar got in and how you can prevent it happening again. That might mean stronger locks, better lighting and a professionally installed intruder alarm, with CCTV where appropriate.
Don’t overlook how you feel, either. Victim Support offers free, confidential help to people affected by crime, and talking it through can help.
A burglary is a horrible experience, but it can be a prompt to make your home much harder to target. We’re happy to survey your property and suggest sensible, proportionate improvements.
