Every day, people deal with home invasions. If you’ve been a victim of a burglary, you may find yourself frightened and anxious, not knowing what to do. We’ve put together some simple steps you should take as soon as you notice that you’ve had a burglar.
Contact the Authorities
You should immediately call the police when you notice that someone has entered your home. If the person is still in the home, you should leave as quickly as possible. Never enter a home that may have a burglar inside still, since they could be armed and dangerous. No possession is worth your life.
Stay Aside Until the Police Arrive
Even if you are certain there is no one in the house, it’s best to stay in one place and wait for the police. Do not go into the house while it is an active crime scene, as fingerprints and DNA may be disturbed.
Often, you won’t realise that something has happened until you’ve already entered the home. If this is the case, you should walk out again the same way you came in. Let the police know what you touched or where you went when they arrive.
List Missing Items
You will need to create a list of everything that is missing. This can take some time, as you may not be sure what has been hit. Look first for things that are of higher value, as these are most likely to be a target. This list can be given to the police and it will also be used if you have home insurance.
Inform the Insurance Company
Your insurance company will also need to be informed within 24 hours. This is a good time to get the report made out and to provide them with the information on anything that was broken or stolen. In order to report the crime, you’ll need a reference number from the police. You may need to provide additional information to the insurance company.
Perform a Security Survey
After a burglary, you’ll feel rather unsafe in most cases. It can be terrifying. Fortunately, you have some options, so start with a security survey. Many locksmiths or security companies will go through your property with you and point out weak points. These will let you know where to reinforce the security in your home.
Secure Your Home
Finally, you may wish to add an alarm system or install better doors. Locks are extremely important and your locksmith can let you know if the one you have is faulty. Take the time to go over every potential entry point and secure it. This can take some time and money, but it’s essential that you have a secure place to live.
Need a locksmith to help you out with security in your home? Campbell and McGovern Locksmiths can help you secure your own space.
Leave a Comments