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Guide: 13 Things to Do After a Break In

There's little worse than having your home broken into. But if this happens, what can you do? Below are 13 steps you can take following a break-in, so you can start moving forward as soon as possible. 
 
1. Call the Police
burgled home

It is vital that you report the incident to the police to establish a record and also get information for filing an insurance claim. 

2. Take photos

Photos will provide additional evidence of what your home looked like following the burglary. It is possible that police photos may be incomplete, or the insurance company might need additional photos.

3. Don't touch anything
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There is a potential that you could destroy any evidence in your home before the police arrive. So be sure to keep everything as you found it. 

4. Locate pets

If you notice the door open after a burglary, you might need to locate your pets if they aren't home.

5. Call the insurance company
burgled home

As soon as you realize that your home has been burgled, call the insurance company quickly to help guide you through documenting damage, making a list of missing items and making claims. 

6. Document everything

Keep a list of what was taken and its worth. You may also want to draw pictures or let the police know of specific identification marks. Be sure to keep an extra copy for insurance purposes. 

7. Don't throw away broken things
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While it may be tempting to throw out damaged property out of frustrations, those items need to be documented for any possible claims. 

8. Locate proof of ownership documents

Keep documents related to big purchases because it can make providing proof of ownership to insurance companies easier.

9. Secure your home
burgled home

After a burglary, it may be time to take a look at security eak points in your home and what steps to take to strengthen the security. This could mean adding security cameras, additional lighting, or tougher locks to a home. 

10. Let the neighbors know

Burglars are likely to strike in the same area multiple times because they have usually cased a neighborhood for some time before striking. 

11. Call the bank
burgled home

It's a good idea to call the bank even if you don't know if financial records were taken. You may not have realized the effects of stolen bank documents right away, but you can avoid any potential losses by changing accounts, pins and other financial information. 

12.  Talk to someone

A burglary will make you feel unsafe and can have a lasting effect. If you are experiencing residual effects from the burglary, be sure to speak with a professional who can help you with anxiety issues. 

13. Follow up with the police
burgled home
Crimes don't get solved overnight. So be sure to follow up with the police periodically to keep abreast of the investigation.
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Related Topics: tips, guide, home, burglary, break in
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