Discovering that they’ve been burgled sends many people into a panic, and their instinct can be to rush around and see what has been taken, or simply to flee the scene and rush to the safety of a friend or neighbours home. They may also be tempted to call up their local locksmith and ask them to come and change the locks immediately.
However, as frightening and stressful as the situation may be, it’s important to follow the seven steps outlined below, and while you will almost certainly need the services of Lardner Locks at some point, your first call should be made to the local police:
- Contact the police
When you discover that you’re the victim of a burglary, whether at home or at your place of work, move outside and call the police. An emergency call to 999 is warranted if you think the burglar may still be on the premises, otherwise, call 101.
- Don’t touch anything
An investigation of the crime scene will be carried out, so it’s important not to tamper with anything that might be evidence. Leave everything as you found it; the chance to clean up will come once the initial investigation has finished.
- Gather evidence to make an insurance claim
You can take as many pictures as you like of the crime scene, and some of it may prove useful when making an insurance claim for lost or damaged items.
- Compile a list of damages
Note down everything that has been damaged or stolen, to the best of your recollection.
- Get a crime reference number
Once the police arrive at your home or place of work, you will be given a crime reference number that you’ll need as part of your insurance claim.
- Call your bank and service provider
If you notice that any of your banking documents or cards are missing, call your bank immediately, and you should also do this if an electronic item has been stolen that contains your banking details. If your mobile phone has been stolen or damaged, you can call your service provider right away, too.
- Make an insurance claim
As soon as you’ve carried out the 6 steps above, contact your insurance provider and make a claim for any losses or damage incurred. Be sure to give them every detail you’ve collected, along with the policy number and crime reference number.
What should you do in the following 18 to 24 hours after a burglary?
The steps above should be taken in the immediate aftermath of a burglary having taken place, or at least, in the immediate wake of your discovery, while the steps below should be carried out during the next 18 to 24 hours:
Clean up the mess
This is an important step towards reclaiming your home or business, and while it might be painful, the sooner you do it, the sooner you can start putting the incident behind you.
Change the locks
Place a call to your local locksmith and ask them to come and change the locks, especially if they’ve been damaged or you suspect that your keys may be missing, but also to give you peace of mind.
Finish insurance claim formalities
Complete whatever formalities are required of you by your insurance provider.
Upgrade your security system
You can ask your local locksmith and burglary repairs in Croydon for advice with reference to any additional security measures you can take to prevent your home or business from being targeted by burglars again.
Report missing documents
If important documents such as your passport, birth certificate or driving license are missing, then you should report this to the relevant agencies and seek replacements as appropriate.
Being burgled is a horrible experience, but by following the steps above and working with local authorities and a professional locksmith, you can help make sure you are never targeted again, and that you can feel safe in your home or workplace.
