What to do if your home is burglarized
Having your home burglarized is one of the worst nightmares of any homeowner. It can be a very devastating occurrence, and it’s one we’re never fully prepared for. If your home has been burglarized, here are eight essential steps you need to take to deal with it:
1 - Do Not Enter
If you notice that your home may have been broken into upon arriving, do not enter your home. You may see a broken window or an open door, but do not go inside to investigate. The robbers could still be inside, and if you catch them it could be a very dangerous situation. Do not enter until police have checked the property and deemed it safe to re-enter.
2 - Call the Police
Immediately call the police as soon as you realize you’ve been robbed. They should respond promptly, especially if you’re unsure if the burglars are still inside or not. Do not hesitate to notify police. Doing so quickly will give you the best chances of staying safe, catching the criminals, and recovering your belongings.
3 - Take an Inventory
Thoroughly check your home for missing items. Go through every room and write down anything you notice or suspect is missing, and be as specific as possible in describing the items. You will need to know what’s been taken in order to notify your homeowners’ insurance and the police.
4 - Cancel Your Credit Cards
If any of your credit cards are stolen, immediately notify the credit card companies so they can close them, and they won’t hold you liable for any unauthorized purchases that the thieves might try to make.
5 - Call Your Insurance Company
Call your homeowners’ insurance company as soon as possible after the burglary. Don’t delay in notifying them of it, or it could affect your coverage. They will want a police report, so you’ll need to pick it up as soon as it’s ready.
6 - Repair the Damage/Change Your Locks
If your home was damaged in any way, get it fixed as soon as you can. If any doors or windows were broken, they need to be repaired first. Also fix any inside damage, which your homeowners’ insurance will likely cover. It’s also a good idea to change your locks, especially if you’re unsure how the burglars entered. If they have a copy of your key, you could be robbed again.
7 - Evaluate Your Security
You need to take a close, honest look at your home security. How is it that your home was able to be robbed? What made it so appealing to burglars? You might want to install a security system, and you might notice other areas that could be improved. You might need stronger window locks, for example, or more lights on the outside of your home.
8 - Address Emotional Damage
A burglary can be a very difficult thing for everyone in the family to handle. It robs you of a sense of safety in your own home, and you need to address your feelings. Kids especially will need extra help coping with a burglary. If you need professional help, don’t be afraid to seek it.
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