Burglary can happen any time of the day or night. Whether you’re at home or away when a burglary happens, it can be a very traumatic experience. For many homeowners, the stress and frustration of it all can make it difficult to know what to do when such a thing happens. Being prepared and learning these steps can help homeowners be more prepared if such a situation occurs.

Get Somewhere Safe

When a burglary occurs, before contacting the police or worrying if you need locksmith services, homeowners should get to safety first. Whether home or away when the incident occurred, at the first sign of a burglary, personal safety should be the primary concern.

This safe area should be a place where the entire family can meet after such an incident. This can be at a trusted neighbor’s home or another safe area. Even if the burglary occurred while the homeowner was away, there is no guarantee they have left the scene. Getting somewhere safe and allowing the police to handle it is the best option for everyone.

Call the Police

Once everyone is safe, the next step is to contact the police. Calling 911 is the best option for this situation. While on the phone with the 911 operator, stay calm and try to provide as much information about the situation as possible.

The 911 operator will want to know the address where the burglary occurred, your name, and where you are while making the call. They will also want to know if the burglary was witnessed. If the intruders were seen, the 911 operator will want to know their description, how many there were, and whether they were armed.

Once the police arrive, let them handle the situation. The police will clear the home if the intruders are still there. They will also begin investigating the incident. It may be a good idea to return to the home once things are safe to help the police with the situation.

Itemize Stolen Items

Once the police have ensured the home is safe, it may be a good idea to begin looking around and assessing the damage. An itemized list of all missing items and damages will be necessary for the investigation as well as any insurance claims.

It may also be a good idea to write down everything about the crime while it is still fresh in your mind. This can include what was seen when getting home or even a description of the intruder. It may also be a good idea to take pictures of any damage to the home or areas where items were taken. This could help the investigation and the insurance claims process.

Help the Police

The police will do everything they can to find those responsible for the burglary. However, the more information they have, the easier it is to find and prosecute the intruders. This makes it vitally important for homeowners to help the police as much as possible.

The police will want to know about anyone who has lived at the home, even if they moved out recently. They will also want to know about recent guests or others who had access to the home. If there is security camera footage, this should be reviewed by the homeowner and provided to the police.

When the police are finished with their initial investigation, be certain to ask them where to obtain the police report and to take the case number and names of the police officers on the scene. It might also be a good idea to ask who to contact if other details are remembered.

Contact the Insurance Company

Homeowner’s insurance like Emerald Life and renter’s insurance both provide coverage for break-ins. After the burglary, it is important to contact the insurance company to begin the claims process. It is recommended that the insurance company is contacted within 24 hours of the incident.

The insurance company will want a copy of the police report and any information about the incident. If photos were taken, it can help the insurance company process the claim faster. The list of any stolen or damaged property can also help expedite the process.

Repair the Damage

The next step is to clean up and repair the damage. Some of this will be needed to allow the homeowner the ability to stay in the home safely. Contacting a locksmith may be a good idea. Many locksmiths offer emergency services to help in these situations.

Emergency repairs may need to be paid for out-of-pocket to ensure the home is safe while waiting for the insurance claim to process. Keep a copy of all receipts for this repair. Many insurance companies will provide coverage for these necessary steps.

Once the claim is processed, there should be enough to cover any costs necessary to restore the home to its original state before the burglary. However, it may be a good idea to increase the security of the home to prevent further issues.

Prepare and Prevent

The next step in the process is to take steps to prevent further incidents from occurring. This can include installing additional security devices or alarm systems. It may even include creating a plan for family members to ensure they are safe no matter what happens.

One of the best ways for homeowners to properly secure a home is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith can provide homeowners with a thorough safety inspection of the home. The locksmith will identify various vulnerabilities in the home’s security and make recommendations for how to correct those issues.

Many locksmiths offer a variety of security options to keep homes safe and secure. They can install new locks and deadbolts in the home. They can even offer alarm systems that can scare off potential intruders while simultaneously contacting the police. They can even install better security cameras to ensure any intruder is easily identified.

If you’ve done some research, you know that home security systems and costs vary greatly. However, Vivint cost and packages are designed to take your home’s protection to the next level.

A burglary can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Fortunately, there are options available to help homeowners stay safe and secure in their homes. Increasing security and setting up a plan can provide homeowners with the peace of mind they need to feel comfortable in their homes again.

 

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