Last Updated on July 14, 2025

What to Do After a Break-In and How to Feel Safe in Your Home

After experiencing a break-in, it’s common to feel panicked, afraid or confused, but taking action can help you manage those emotions and regain a sense of control. Once the intruder has left, you can take several steps right away to help you feel safe in your home after a break-in.

What to Do Immediately After a Home Break-In

It’s important to stay calm and avoid touching anything. Even if an intruder wore gloves, there may be other evidence around your countertops and drawers, and it’s best to leave these undisturbed for the police. Here are your first few steps.

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. Safely leaving your home and getting to a secure location is the best option.

If your safe space is in your home, make sure the intruder isn’t still there. Check outside for unknown cars. If you spot a suspicious vehicle, write down the license plate number. It’s best to be as quiet as possible and remain close to the front door. If you’re certain there are no intruders, lock the doors or use physical barriers to secure the area.

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.

File a Report

Once the police have collected the evidence, make a list of everything that was stolen and file your report with them. It’s crucial to be as thorough as possible, as you’ll also need this information when claiming from your insurance company. Try to list the following information about the stolen items:

• Makes and models
• Manufacturer names
• Purchase dates
• Serial numbers
• Marks on the items

It’s best to have all this information ready for your valuables before a break-in, so now could be a good time to take a full inventory of the items you still have, including pictures.

If you have security camera footage, give this to the police 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

Calling the police is just the first step. You’ll now need to contact your insurance company and secure your belongings and home.

File an Insurance Claim

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 the receipts and warranties from the list above. If more information is required, your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to inspect your property.

Secure Your Cards and Accounts

Even if no cards are missing, call your bank immediately to freeze all your debit and credit cards. If an intruder has one of your electronic devices with sensitive information like a password or email address, they may try to access your bank account.

In the same vein, it’s best to change the passwords to all your online accounts, including your banking app.

Secure Your Property

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

Review Your Security Measures

Improving your property’s security is the best way to recover after a break-in and restore your peace of mind. Identify any weak areas to determine how an intruder may have accessed your home. Visible security can deter potential burglars, so consider beefing up security with extra CCTV cameras and a higher front gate. Changing the locks is also a good idea.

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.