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I HAVE BEEN BURGLED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

I have been burgled

Very few things are more traumatic than discovering that your home or business has been burgled. We all hope it won’t happen to us, but knowing what to do if the worst should happen can help you stay calm and feel more in control.
Understanding the steps you should take and acting quickly could also limit the impact of burglary emotionally and financially. Here is a guide if you’re unlucky enough to experience such an event.

 

I have been burgled what should I do immediately?

The first thing to remember is that you should never put yourself or others at risk. If you are unsure whether a burglar is still on-site, call the police on 999. Don’t try to be a hero or confront anybody on site.
If you are sure the burglars have left, you can use the non-emergency 101 number to contact your local police. Always listen to what the police say and do whatever they advise.

One of the first things that the police should tell you is what they would like you to do with the scene. This may vary depending on the type of property or break-in. They will let you know whether a Crime Scene Investigator will attend and, therefore, whether you should be able to keep the scene.
If a crime scene officer is due to come your property, please be prepared for a long wait. I have known of people waiting 48 hours for a CSO to attend.
Leave the scene as undisturbed as possible, and try not to touch anything unless necessary. This prevents the chances of compromising evidence that could help to secure a prosecution. Providing the serial numbers of stolen items can improve their chances of recovery.

Contact Your Bank and Other Organisations

You should report any personal documents stolen as soon as possible. This includes credit and debit cards, store cards, driving licences and passports. It is better to do this sooner rather than later, as criminals will often use stolen identification to further their criminal activities. Passports and driving licences can now be reported as stolen online.

Keep Hold of Your Crime Number

When the police arrive, they will take a statement from you. This will detail exactly what happened and what was stolen. They may also speak to neighbours or other people in the area who might be witnesses. If you have CCTV, you should let the police know.

Contact your insurers

Before you call your insurers, go through your home, room by room, to check for any damage and missing items. Taking photos of wear can also support your claim.
Most insurers will require that you contact them within 24 hours of a burglary. They will also ask for your police crime reference number.

Calling a Locksmith

Naturally, you may feel unsafe in your home following a burglary. So, as well as fixing any damage done by the intruder, consider looking at ways that you can upgrade your security at the same time.

Get professional advice and replace compromised locks
It would be best if you considered contacting a local locksmith. Not only will they be able to repair damage to any waves, but they will also be able to change locks if you have had keys stolen. Many locksmiths will be happy to carry out a free security survey for you and suggest ways in which you can upgrade your security. A proactive security upgrade is to ensure your locks meet British standards.

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