Getting burgled is a nightmare. It is a traumatic and disturbing experience that no one would want to experience. Undoubtedly, people are in a state of shock when they find out they’ve been burgled. With the rise of burglary cases around us, it is now time for us to take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from being victims of such incidents.
However, there are always instances where intruders somehow manage to get into your home and steal valuables, whatever steps you take to secure your home.
This can cause mental distress to victims and their families and often lead to emotional breakdowns. Sometimes it turns out to be a daunting challenge for them to get out of that moment and take the necessary steps immediately.
That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’ve been burgled. It is critical to respond before it is too late to mitigate your loss.
What to do immediately
We know that it’s quite common for people to get panic and feel helpless when they find out they’ve been burgled. They often find themselves in a perplexing situation where they have no idea what to do next.
In such a situation, it is important to remain calm and not panic, instead take a moment to prepare yourself to take further actions.
Here are the steps you need to take immediately after you’ve been burgled.
1. Call the police
As soon as you realise that you have been burgled, step outside of your home immediately and find a safe place for yourself. Dial 101 to call the police, or 999 if you suspect someone is still in your house. Make sure you’re not entering your home until the police arrive.
2. Don’t Touch anything
Investigation plays an important role in helping the police catch the offender and eventually help you recover your loss. The crime scene is where the evidence is collected, and therefore it is highly recommended that nothing be touched until the investigation of the crime scene is over. Anything collected from the crime scene will be used as evidence to hunt down the offender.
Often people unconsciously start cleaning the house or touch things inside the crime scene. It is natural but not recommended as it may tamper with the evidence. It’s, therefore, crucial to keep your hands off the crime scene until the investigation is over.
3. Collect evidence to claim
You are always allowed to take pictures and videos of the place where the burglary took place. This helps you to collect for yourself the evidence that will be required at the time of insurance claims for damages and losses incurred during the burglary.
Also, it’s going to be a good reference while you’re preparing a list of what all the damages were done during the incident.
4. Prepare a list of the damages done
Take note of all the damages done and prepare a list of the things that were stolen. It is a significant step towards claiming damages before you contact the insurance provider. So, do a thorough inspection of your home, leave no room or living space.
5. Crime Reference Number
You will receive a crime reference number from the police once they arrive at your property. This is crucial for the entire insurance claim process, so don’t forget to get the reference number from the police.
6. Call your Bank & Service provider
Call your bank if any of your bank cards, chequebooks, or related documents are missing from your property. Don’t take any chances, as any delay could lead to further losses. Call them even if your laptop or mobile phone with all your bank details and information is missing as it may lead to cybercrime.
Besides, you can also call your service provider to block your account if your mobile phone is missing.
7. Insurance Claim
Contact the insurance provider to claim for the damages incurred. Remember, this is a crucial step, so you need to provide every single detail you have collected from the incident. You will be asked to provide your policy number and the crime reference number to take it further. Before making a claim, make sure that you have complied with the terms of the agreement with the insurance provider.
What to do in next 18-24 hours
1. Clean the mess
Start cleaning your house as soon as the investigation is over, and you are allowed to enter your property. Having your home broken is disheartening, but it’s also important to get back to your daily life. You should call your relatives, neighbours, or other domestic assistance to help you clean up the mess.
2. Change the locks
If you find that your house keys or spare keys are missing from your home, hire a locksmith to change all the locks.
It’s also the best time to evaluate your door and window lock and replace it with a steadier lock that would be tough to crack. Make a note to identify all possible entry points that the intruder used to break into your home and evaluate them with the help of a professional.
3. Complete the formalities regarding the insurance claim
The insurance provider will ask you to fill out a form to proceed with the matter. Please fill it out and send it online or by post immediately, whatever the convenience may be.
4. Install or upgrade your security system
It’s time to make your home safer. If you have a security system installed in your home, evaluate it, and make sure it works fine. You can upgrade it to a more efficient one, too.
But if you don’t have one and you’re still wondering about the benefits of the home security system, don’t give it a second thought. Get a security specialist to evaluate your property.
FHA Security is a home security specialist and offers a range of burglar alarms and CCTV systems tailored to customer requirements. You can schedule a survey of your property to get the best security system recommendations for your home. They also offer express installation services which ensure that the device is fitted within 3-5 working days from the date of order.
5. Report any missing documents
If your documents such as passport, driving license, or birth certificate are missing, please contact the respective agencies to report and request that they are issued or replaced. You can do this either online, offline, or by phone.
In the next 10-14 days
Burglary victims have one in four (28%) chances of falling victim again, according to new research by Churchill Home Insurance. The traumatised victims have an 8 per cent chance of being burgled into the same property two or more times. Approximately 10.2 million adults, one in five people in Britain, claim to have been the victim of burglary, while 26% of them live in London. It is therefore crucial to take proactive steps to avoid being a victim again.
1. Get Support
It may be difficult for most of us to get out of this distressing situation, so you must reach out for support. On Victim Support, you can get emotional support and advice. They help you out in every way and instruct you in the future on how to avoid these incidents. Call them on their helpline number 08081689111 for urgent assistance or request a callback.
2. Take effective measures
It’s also important to take the appropriate measures to ensure that your home is secure. We’ve compiled a checklist of 10 basic steps you can take to secure your home from burglars. It will certainly save you from trouble, keeping your home, and loved ones safe.
Contact Us
FHA Security is a home security specialist and offers a range of burglar alarms and CCTV systems tailored to the needs of the customers.
We offer express installation service to all our customers where you can ask us to schedule the installation within 24 to 48 hours of placing the order so you can secure your home quickly and conveniently.
Even if you don’t plan to get a home security system right now, you can still call us to get some free advice on how to secure your home and your loved ones.
We believe in helping people protect their homes.
Call us now on 020 3137 8727, 0800 193 8727 to secure your home or visit FHA Security immediately.
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