Help! My House Has Been Broken Into – What Now?
Walking through the front door and realising your home has been broken into is a terrible feeling. Shock, anger, fear – they all hit at once. It’s hard to think clearly, but what you do next is important. This guide will help you navigate the immediate steps, secure your home, and regain peace of mind.
Stay Calm and Stay Safe
First, take a deep breath. Panic won’t help. If you’re outside and notice signs of a break-in, don’t go in. The intruder might still be inside. Call the police immediately by dialling 000. If you’re already inside and realise someone has been there, leave the house and go to a safe location, like a neighbour’s home or your car, before calling for help.
Call the Police
Reporting the break-in is crucial. Dial 000 for emergencies or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance. Provide clear details about what you’ve discovered. Avoid touching anything that could be evidence, like broken windows, doors, or disturbed belongings. Officers will arrive to take statements and assess the scene. If forensic teams are required, they’ll advise you on what to do next.
Check for Missing Items
Once the police give the all-clear, walk through your home carefully. Make a list of what’s missing. Commonly stolen items include electronics, cash, jewellery, and personal documents. Take photos of damaged doors, windows, or any other entry points. If you have receipts or serial numbers for stolen valuables, gather them for your insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Home and contents insurance can help recover losses. Call your insurer as soon as possible to report the break-in. Provide the list of missing items and any police reports. Some insurers require written statements or additional documents. Acting quickly increases the chance of a smooth claims process.
Secure Your Home Immediately
Preventing another break-in starts now. If locks or doors are damaged, arrange repairs immediately. A locksmith can replace compromised locks and improve security. Consider temporary solutions, like boarding up broken windows, until permanent fixes are in place. If keys have been stolen, change the locks to prevent unauthorised access.
Notify Your Bank and Credit Providers
If wallets, cards, or personal documents are missing, contact your bank. Cancel stolen cards and request replacements. Inform credit providers to monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Identity theft is a serious risk after a burglary. Placing a temporary fraud alert on your credit file can help prevent unauthorised use of your details.
Talk to Your Neighbours
Criminals often target multiple homes in an area. Let your neighbours know about the break-in. They might have seen or heard something suspicious. A watchful community is a powerful deterrent against future crime. If you’re part of a Neighbourhood Watch group, report the incident to help others stay alert.
Let’s Make Your Home Safer
At Bolster Home Security Advisory Services, we help you build a plan that works. Our advice ensures you invest in what actually protects your home, rather than unnecessary gadgets. We assess your property, highlight weak points, and recommend cost-effective solutions that fit your lifestyle.
A break-in is unsettling, but it doesn’t have to define how you feel in your home. Strengthening your security gives you confidence and control. Contact us today to arrange a professional security assessment. Let’s make sure this never happens again.
