Few experiences match the concern and discomfort you feel after realizing burglars broke into or tried to force their way into your house. After a home invasion, you may find yourself unable to figure out what to do next.
Instead of trying to put the break-in immediately behind you, take a few steps to protect yourself. That way, you have the best chance of emotionally and logistically recovering from the incident.
Make Safety Your #1 Priority
Did you come home from work to a broken window, jimmied side door or other sign of home invasion? Resist the temptation to immediately go into the house. After all, you cannot be sure the burglar left.
Instead, get into your vehicle and drive away from your home, or walk down the block. Then, park, contact 911 and tell them what happened. They will send trained officers to your location to investigate so you never have to put yourself in harm’s way. Even if what you experienced was only a burglary attempt and not a full-scale robbery, you should still bring in the police.
If you are at home during the burglary, try to stay quiet to avoid confrontation with the intruder. Most burglars want to take valuables, not deal with homeowners.
Document Everything That Was Stolen
After the police open an incident report, take inventory of your missing possessions. What did the burglars take? Did they focus on electronics and jewelry? Did they remove your purse and wallet? Be thorough.
To make this process less complicated, conduct a walk-through of your home now. Write down all the valuable items that you own. Taking this action before a home invasion simplifies everything in the case of a home break-in.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance carrier will need to know about the home break-in if anything was stolen or damaged. Home and renter’s insurance policies will restore some of what you lost up to a certain dollar amount, minus your deductible.
Be prepared to give your insurance agent as much information as you can. The best thing you can do is write down everything broken or removed by the robbers before calling your insurance company.
Work With the Police
In the days following the home invasion, your local police will be in touch. Make time for them and answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.
A tough part of working with the police is potentially having to keep the crime scene the way you found it. Ask permission before doing any repairs or cleanup work. Otherwise, you could make it tougher for the police to find the burglars.
Seek Professional Medical Help
Aside from the practical aspects of having your house burglarized or almost robbed, you may experience a rush of emotions. Contact your primary health or mental health care provider to help you through this trauma.
In the end, knowing what to do after a home burglary before it happens makes recovery faster. Not sure if you have enough coverage in the event of a break-in? Call your insurance agent to discuss your policy.
