If someone just broke into your home, then you’re probably dealing with a whirl of different emotions. It’s normal to feel confused, sad, or angry. After all, someone just made your home feel unsafe.
Don’t Blame Yourself
Before you do anything, remember that it’s not your fault. It’s also not your spouse’s fault, your son’s fault, your father’s fault, or your friend’s fault. There’s only one person to blame: the intruder. Life is full of ups and downs, and when you experience a low like this, it is possible to recover stronger than ever before. Once you’ve accepted this, it’s time to pick up the pieces and take steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
Don’t Touch Anything—Call The Police First
While it can be tempting to start cleaning up, it’s best to call the authorities first. Before they arrive, scan your home for any missing items, and record what you find (or don’t find) on an itemized list. Once you’ve noted what items are missing, write down everything as you remember it:
- Were you home when the incident occurred?
- If not, what time did you arrive?
- Retrace your steps from the day/night before
- Can you identify the break-in point?
Recording this information will help you get your bearings straight, and it will help the police understand the situation better. All of these items will be placed on a police report, so it’s important to be as detailed as possible. If you do discover that specific valuables are missing from your home, including their approximate value on your itemized list.
Call Your Insurance Company
After the police report has been properly documented, file a claim with your insurance company. Regardless of whether you have homeowners or renters insurance, your policy should offer at least some kind of reimbursement for items that were stolen; however, before your insurance company can release funds to you, they must first send an adjuster to perform their own inspection. Even with the police report at your disposal, the insurance adjuster must still determine if the recorded information is accurate.
If your insurance company does send an adjuster to assess the situation, they may ask that you refrain from touching anything until their investigation is complete. Depending on your policy coverages, you may have the option of staying in a hotel for the duration of their visit. This benefit varies by carrier and plan, so be sure to ask your insurance company if this is an available option for you.
3 Ways To Keep Robbers Out
Once you’ve documented everything, filed an insurance claim, and cleaned up any damages, it’s important to improve your home’s security. To make your home safer, follow these tips.
- Install Deadbolt Locks
Deadbolt locks are thicker and tougher than a traditional latch; therefore, deadbolts are harder for a burglar to pick, and would be a viable solution. If you’re in need of an emergency locksmith, then give us a call. All American locksmiths will help you choose and install the locks that fit your needs.
- Security Cameras, Automated Lights, & Beware of Dog Signs
Most people know how effective security alarm systems can be. If a full-service security system does not work with your current budget, then you should still install a security camera. These can be relatively inexpensive and can be placed in a high position. The sight of a security camera can help scare away would-be intruders.
Automated lights can also help to deter robbers. Most break-ins occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Why? Because intruders assume that most people are at work during that time, which is probably accurate. Automated lights help to create the illusion that you are home.
Even if you don’t have a dog, many burglars will think twice about breaking in if they see a “beware of dog” sign.
- Be Vigilant
Even though most break-ins do happen during normal business hours, attempts are still made at night, or in the wee hours of the morning. If you do hear sounds of an intruder, then call the police as quickly and quietly as possible. Many robbers are cowards. While we do not advise confronting them yourself, it is a good idea to keep a baseball bat in your bedroom just in case you do need to defend yourself.
Television actor William Daniels, best known for his roles in “Boy Meets World,” “St. Elsewhere” and “Knight Rider,” recently foiled an attempted burglary at his Los Angeles home. The 91-year old scared the intruder away when he turned the kitchen light on. Daniels proves that vigilance definitely pays off!
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