What should I do after a break-in?
Call 999 if the intruder could still be inside, and wait somewhere safe. Otherwise report the burglary on 101 and get a crime reference number, which your insurer will need. Do not touch the points of entry until the police advise you can. Then contact your insurer, secure the property, and review your locks, alarm and CCTV once things are settled.
What are the first steps?
Safety first. If there is any chance the intruder is still in the property, do not go in, move somewhere safe and call 999. If the break-in has clearly passed, call the police on 101 to report it and ask for a crime reference number. Leave doors, windows and anything the intruder touched as they are until the police tell you otherwise, so evidence is preserved.
Make a first list of what is missing or damaged while it is fresh, and photograph the damage once the police say you can. Both help the police report and the insurance claim.
How do I deal with the insurer and secure the property?
Contact your insurer as soon as you reasonably can and give them the crime reference number. Ask what they need before repairs start, because some insurers want photographs or an assessor's visit first. Then make the property secure, because a damaged door or window cannot be left open overnight: that means an emergency locksmith, or boarding up where a repair has to wait.
Locks & Alarms Ltd runs a 24/7 emergency call-out across Kent on 01322 436084, so a broken lock or damaged door can be secured whatever the hour.
What should I review afterwards?
Once the immediate work is done, review how the property is protected. Look at the locks on every external door, whether an alarm is fitted and working, and whether CCTV would cover the point of entry that was used. A break-in shows you exactly where the property was weakest, and that is the place to strengthen first.
Locks & Alarms Ltd offers a free quote after a break-in. An engineer surveys locks, alarm and CCTV in one visit and puts a fixed price in writing. Call 01322 436084 to arrange it.
Related service: Locksmith Services