The impact of burglary not only involves the financial cost of replacing stolen or damaged goods but can also affect your mental health. It gives an impression of not feeling safe in your own home. Coming home to find the door broke open, messy floors and things all over the place, and to find out that your valuables are gone is not a pleasant experience. It could shoot up your blood pressure. It will not take long for you to know that you have been burgled. Your safety is the topmost concern following a break-in. With emotions all over the place, it could be difficult to think clearly. But taking a few practical steps will ease the burden on you and help you recover your home insurance too.

Here is what you can do to feel safe after a break-in: 

1. Call the police

Once you realise that you have been robbed, immediately call the police. Also, notice the details to inform the police during the investigation. If possible, quickly take pictures of the scene. It will prove useful for you later. Once the police arrive, check for the damages and missing items. Having the police along with family members or friends may provide you support. Inform the police about the security systems you have installed so that they can help them trace the burglars. Footages from a security camera could really prove most useful.

2. Inform your bank and cancel the stolen cards

Soon after a break-in, thoroughly check your house to find if any of your are documents are missing. Calling your bank and notifying them to check on any suspicious activity can save you from being robbed. Also, block your cards immediately if found missing.

3. Inform your neighbours

Notify your neighbours so that they could provide you with some useful information about the burglar if they have noticed anything strange on the day of the crime or any incident. Sometimes it may help the police to trace the burglar. Also, alert them to protect their homes by being aware of the crime.

4. Being Practical

Planning to improve your home security can also help you move on emotionally. Get help from your neighbourhood or policing team and request them to put you in touch with someone who can give you home security guidance. Even though the whole process of repairing, securing your home can be exhausting and mentally draining, it is crucial to do it.

5. Make an inventory

Collect as much evidence as possible about items missing from your house or property, such as receipts, financial documents and valuables. This will help the insurance claim when you provide an estimate of things stolen or damaged. Collect everything you might need for inspection by your home insurer.

6. Call your insurance company

Keep the list of all the stolen items and after filing a police report, call the insurance company to claim your home insurance. You must note that most of the insurance companies require you to call within 24 hours of the break-in. Some companies require an official from their company to come to your home and check out the damages.

Check with your insurance provider before cleaning up the crime scene.

7. Find support

Burglaries could leave you with an awareness of discomfort in your own home. Talk to family members, friends about the incident and take necessary steps to prevent a future break. You could take additional help and support from your loved ones. Most part of the process of recovering from your loss can be stressful and can consume a lot of time. Try and be patient with it. Form or join neighbourhood watch groups to feel safe and secure in your areas.

8. Reinforce your home security

This is one of the most crucial tasks to be done after a break-in. While you replace doors and windows, consider upgrading locks and installing motion sensor lighting. If you don’t have one already, invest in a home security system. Most burglars will avoid homes with an alarm system. CCTVs are the best way to make your home burglar-proof. Install the cameras both in and outdoors if required. Cameras allow you to virtually view your property even when you are away. The alarm system can notify your neighbours and the people around immediately. This will put off the burglar and will shift his focus to escaping instead of stealing or causing any further damage to your property. 

Locksmith Monkey: Your local locksmith expert in PDX

After being burgled, it’s very vital to reinforce your home security. We at Locksmith Monkey in PDX will help you do so. Our locksmith experts make sure to provide you with the right security systems for your safety. Don’t stress, you are in good hands! Just give us a call, our locksmith experts will assist you within minutes.