7 Steps to Follow After a Home Break-In
Experiencing a home break-in is hugely difficult for all those affected, but it’s important to act quickly in order to minimize damage. In these moments of shock it may be difficult to keep a cool head, so here’s an overview of the most important steps to follow after a home break-in.
1. Notify the police immediately.
Report the burglary to the police as soon as possible by dialing 911. The sooner you make this call, the better.
2. Try not to move or touch anything.
Do not touch anything or clean up as this will disrupt the evidence of the burglary. When the police arrive, forensics will start and it’s very important that everything remains unchanged before that. What may look like a mess to you could be an important clue for the police.
3. Check your home security camera recordings.
A security camera isn’t only for protection against burglars – it is truly an all-rounder. It can also be used If you have a home security camera installed the recordings are extremely helpful in providing evidence of the break-in. Clues from surveillance cameras in your apartment, or possibly those of a neighbor, can give investigators a decisive clue on how to catch the burglar. These recordings will also make it possible to determine exactly which items were stolen and how much damage was inflicted.
4. Determine exactly what’s missing.
You’ll need an overview of what’s missing and what’s not in order for you to give an exact indication of the damage caused. It’s best to think through what was last left where. You won’t be able to think of everything straight away and you may only notice that some things are missing after a few days. Process the shock of the burglary first and then focus on working out what items were taken.
5. If your bank cards are missing, close your accounts immediately.
Go to your nearest bank branch or call customer service to get your account blocked. If you don’t, the burglars could also potentially gain access to the funds in your account.
In addition, inform your insurance company about the break-in as soon as possible. If any doors or windows have been damaged, get them repaired as quickly as you can. In most cases, household insurance will compensate for the damage and costs incurred by the burglary.
6. Ensure all entrances are secured with a home security camera.
The shock of a burglary is not to be underestimated, especially when objects with important emotional and monetary value are stolen. As a rule, the case facts can often only be clarified after some time has passed, or even sometimes not at all. To make your home safer and reduce the possibility of future break-ins, home security cameras should be purchased to ensure all possible entrances (windows, doors, etc.) are carefully monitored.
These days easy-to-use home security cameras offer many features such as 24/7 watch live, motion/ person detection, two-way talk, siren, and more. For instance, Canary home security cameras offer a complete home security system starting at only $9.99/month, which includes a 1080p HD camera, night vision, intelligent motion detection, 24/7 watch live, 30-day video history, one tap to police, and much more.
Visit Canary and explore both their indoor and outdoor smart home cameras to secure your home today.