What to Do After a Break-In

A break-in is a traumatic experience and a violation of privacy that can leave you feeling extremely vulnerable. We’ve covered what to do during a break-in, but what about afterward? Below, learn about the best steps to take after a burglary to regain your security and peace of mind.

What to Do Immediately After a Break-In

After experiencing a break-in, it’s common to feel panicked, afraid or confused — taking action can help you manage those emotions. Once the intruder has left, you can take several steps right away:

1. Get to a safe space: The very first thing you should do is go somewhere safe. Ideally, this would be a predetermined spot that only trusted family and friends know about. If your safe space is in your home, lock the doors or use physical barriers to secure the area. If you can safely leave your home and get to a secure location, that’s even better.
2. Call the police: Once you’re in your safe space, call the police. Even if you have a security system, you should still contact 911 to give dispatchers more information about the situation. While you wait for the police to arrive, stay put and keep clear of the crime scene to avoid contaminating evidence.
3. File a report: Make a list of everything that was stolen and file your report with the police. If you have security camera footage, give this to them as well. Make sure you know where to get a copy of the official police report and write down the names and badge numbers of the responding officers.

What to Do After the Police Leave

After the police leave, call your insurance company to file a claim. They will need a copy of the police report to process your claim, so it’s essential to submit all your information to the police.

You’ll also need to send your insurance company the list of what was stolen along with supporting documents like receipts and warranties. If more information is required, your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to inspect your property.

Once you’ve handled time-sensitive legal and insurance matters, it’s important to get your property back in order for your mental and physical health. Start by cleaning up broken glass, haphazardly strewn belongings and other signs of the break-in. Then tackle bigger issues like repairing broken doors, windows and any holes or markings left behind.

Remember that it’s normal to feel emotionally vulnerable and overwhelmed after a break-in. If you’re finding it hard to cope, it’s okay to seek professional help. After repairs are complete, consider a professional security system from Prestige Security Solutions for your peace of mind.

Have a Plan for the Future

A professional security company can provide you with a comprehensive plan for what to do if a break-in occurs. At Prestige Security Solutions, we create effective solutions tailor-made to your exact needs using industry-leading products and expert installation techniques. After we’ve installed your system, we walk you through it so you know exactly how to use it. That way, you can begin feeling more reassured about your home’s security.

Contact us today about a custom security system for your home or business.