What to do after a burglary

Whether you caught the thief red-handed or you arrive after, here is a list of steps you should follow right after a burglary.

What to do in the minutes following a burglary?

While you have just realized that your home has just been burgled, be responsive and follow this list of recommendations in order.

Make sure there is no one is in the house

Before entering your home, it is essential to be sure that the burglars are gone. If you have any doubt, let the Gardai do their job and check that the intruders have left the premises. If this is not the case and you surprise them, their reactions could be aggressive or violent. If you are sure that the house is empty, you can go in and inspect the different rooms to start listing the damage and what’s missing.

Don't touch anything

It is obviously very unpleasant to find your home upside down and you will surely want to put some order in all this. However, it is advisable not to touch anything. What for? Simply to let the Gardai gather the evidence and take potential fingerprints from your home. After the police finish, you will have plenty of time to put away your belongings.

Another important thing to do is if objects have been broken, do not throw them away, at least not before taking a picture of them. It is with these photos that you will be able to build an insurance file to be properly compensated. This is assuming you have home insurance cover.

Notify the Gardai

Whether it is in the morning, or in the evening, or even in the middle of the night, do not hesitate, immediately notify the Gardai a break-in has occurred at your home.

You can dial 999 then explain as clearly as possible what has just taken place, i.e. the signs of burglary and the damage found. They will send as soon as possible a team that will take your statement and pick up potential clues.

Do not hesitate to ask them any questions about the different steps to follow from then on.

Contact your bank

If you find that checkbooks or credit cards are on the list of stolen goods, do not wait until the next day and immediately contact your bank or freeze bank cards.

Specify on the phone the reason why you wish to freeze the accounts and ask to block as soon as possible all means of payment that could be used by thieves fraudulently.

What to do in the days following a burglary?

Once the Gardai have been notified, it is now time to proceed with the second part of the process: file a complaint and contact your insurance.

Make a list of missing items

The time has come to take a thorough tour of your home and list the different objects that have disappeared. Take your time, check valuables such as jewellery, cash whose absence is not obvious compared to large parts such as appliances or a stereo.

The important thing is to make a list as exhaustive as possible because it is this document that will be requested when you file a complaint by the Gardai.

Do not forget to also note the objects that would have been damaged during the intrusion and the various proofs of vandalism because all this must be put on the report.

Go file a complaint

The Gardai have told you, you must now go to the nearest Gardai station. You will have to mention all the details of the break-in as well as the list of stolen, damaged, fractured objects.

Remember that it is this document that will serve as proof of the incident with your insurer. Always ask for two copies, one for your insurer with the written declaration of theft and the other for your landlord's insurance in case you are a tenant.

It is also when a complaint is filed that an investigation can be opened to look for the intruders who have committed this crime.

Contact your insurance company

Before contacting them, gather all the documents: list of stolen objects, minutes but also certificates of authenticity or invoices that can attest to the value of your goods. It is all these documents that will allow you to have the fairest compensation possible.

You can reach your insurance company directly by phone and as soon as possible after discovering the intrusion. During this exchange, it will be discussed the insurance contract to which you have subscribed and the conditions to be compensated. Also discuss broken doors and windows with them if this is the case, as your insurance can offer their repair or replacement.

Have your items repaired

After discussing on the phone with your insurer the various coverages, you can begin the process of repairing damaged items and in particular call a locksmith if the lock of your door has been broken.

Equip yourself with a PhoneWatch alarm system

Following a break-in, you will probably want to protect your home more. For this, in addition to entrances reinforced by quality locks, the best solution remains to install a home alarm system.

Whether motion detectors or security cameras, at PhoneWatch you will have the choice between a whole range of devices capable of effectively protecting your home. We also offer the installation of a 24/7 alarm monitoring system for alert handling in less than 15 seconds. Our standard alarm pack contains a mix of security sensors and motion cameras, a bellbox, a keypad, and a monitored smoke alarm. Also remember to protect your home during your vacation.

Conclusion

Following a burglary, it is necessary to react quickly and follow all these recommendations in order. This is how you can present a proper case to your insurance company for appropriate compensation.

From house alarm systems to tailored home security, PhoneWatch create and install alarm systems to match your budget and give you peace of mind. We are trusted by over 118,000 homes in Ireland to keep them safe every day. Get a personalised home security quote today.