Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 214

HOME SECURITY

217

COPING AFTER A BREAK-IN

1 Don’ t move anything

• If you discover that your home has been broken into, try to keep calm.

• Do not touch anything. The police will want to check the crime scene and look for fingerprints.

2Call police

• Dial 911 or call your local police station.

• When the police arrive, they will talk to you about the burglary, ask what has been taken, then take a statement. They will then provide you with a complaint number for your insurance company.

3List missing items

• Start to make a list of what you think has been taken. This process can go on for days, because many items will be missed only when you try to find or use them. The police should supply you with a form for your list.

• Give as clear a description as you can of all items, and provide photographs of valuables, if you have any.

• Indicate on the list which, if any, items have been owner-labeled.

SEEKING ADVICE

• If you are the victim of a burglary or assault, you will be contacted by Victim

Support, an organization that provides counselling and help for victims of crime.

• Talk to friends and family about your experience. They may be able to offer

you reassurance and comfort.

4 Secure premises

• If burglars have forced entry by smashing glass, make a temporary repair for security( p. 200).

• Determine how the burglar( s) gained access to your home and take steps to make it more secure by installing additional locks or bolts( p. 214).

5 Contact insurers

• Contact your insurance company and explain what has happened.

• The insurance company and / or claims adjuster will require the complaint number and a detailed list of what has been stolen.

Give your insurance company details of what has been stolen

6 Keep in contact with police

• If you move while the investigation is still ongoing, notify the police of your new address.

• If you discover more damage or missing items, contact the officer handling your case as well as your insurance company.