5 steps to take if your home is broken into
When your home is broken into it can leave you feeling upset and vulnerable. Following these simple steps can help you come to terms with what has happened and help you feel more secure going forward.
Call the police
The very first thing you should do if you discover a break in is to call the police and file a report. This is vital if you are going to make an insurance claim and if any of your stolen items are ever retrieved, this improves your chances of getting them back. Before the police arrive, try to write down all the items that have been taken and note down any unique identifying marks of particularly valuable items. If you saw the intruder, write down a description to give to the police and, if you have video surveillance, make sure this is available to them.
Get your locks changed
After a break in, you’ll want to do everything you can to feel secure in your home again. Finding a locksmith to fit new locks to the doors is the best way to start this process. Most break-ins occur at the front or back door of a house, so finding a locksmith who can thwart this point of entry is vital. Many locksmiths operate a 24-hour service, so you can start to feel safe again as quickly as possible, and LockOut 24-7 is one of the best. Their lock-changing service is available throughout Colchester, Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree and Basildon.
Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company within 24 hours of the break in, straight after filing a report with the police. The insurance company will use this information when processing your claim. They may send a claims adjuster to assess your claim, so don’t clear away any evidence until after they have visited.
Clean up
Once you’ve dealt with the police, phoned the insurance company and made your property safe, you can start to get your home back in order. Clean up any debris or marks on doors and walls and arrange for any repairs to be made.
Start to feel more secure
A break in can leave you feeling unsafe and violated. It’s important to address these feelings as soon as possible. One way you can do this is to make your property safer by replacing or improving your locks using the services of a locksmith you trust. Getting back into normal routines can be difficult, but try to do this as soon as possible so that you start to feel comfortable and secure in your home again.