Home Break-In

Top tips to follow when your home has suffered a break-in.

It can be easy to forget the simple things when you're in shock from a home break-in. Take the following steps to get your home back to normal and prevent further burglaries in the future:

• If you've come home to find a burgled house, you could still be in danger. The thief could still be inside, armed and potentially dangerous. Leave your home, head to a neighbour's house and call the police on 999, using their phone or your mobile.
• Never use your home phone to call the police as the thief could have made a few phone calls or left prints on the receiver along with a traceable redial number.
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  Fit new locks!

  Try not to move or touch anything until the police arrive. You never know what items the burglar has touched, leaving incriminating fingerprints.
• Board up broken windows and doors so your home is safe and secure. If this task proves difficult, call a professional - see Glaziers.
• Once the police have secured your property, make a list of missing items. If you have receipts, all the better. You'll need this information to claim back on insurance afterwards.
• Many thieves break into the same home a second time as its likely stolen items will be replaced. Fit new locks and doors. Reinforce the point of forced entry to make it more difficult for the thief to break in again. Finding a reliable, affordable tradesman to get the job done is easy - see Locksmiths.
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  Fit a reliable alarm

  Ensure your home is fitted with a reliable security alarm. Security lights are also a good idea, they switch on at preset times or when they detect movement - see Electricians to get the job done professionally.
• Simple measures such as engraving your details on valuable possessions give you a greater chance of recovery if they're stolen again.
• If your furniture (including beds and sofas) has been damaged, a professional can in many cases restore them to their original condition - see Furniture Repairmen. If they've been dirtied, you can opt for an expert clean - see Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners.