What to Do After a Burglary: A Step-by-Step Security Guide
Discovering your home in {location} has been burgled is distressing and disorienting. In the immediate aftermath, it's hard to think clearly — but the steps you take in the first few hours matter for your security, your insurance claim, and your peace of mind. Here's a practical guide.
Immediate Steps
1. Don't Touch Anything
If you arrive home and suspect a burglary, do not enter the property if there's any chance the intruder is still inside. Call 999 and wait outside. If you're already inside, try not to touch surfaces, handles, or items the burglar may have handled — forensic evidence can be crucial.
2. Call the Police
Report the burglary to the police by calling 101 (or 999 if it's in progress). You'll receive a crime reference number — keep this safe, as you'll need it for your insurance claim. Officers may attend to gather evidence, including fingerprints, footprints, and CCTV from neighbouring properties.
3. Secure the Property
Once the police have finished (or given permission), your priority is making the property secure again. Call an emergency locksmith in {location} to:
- Replace any locks that were damaged, compromised, or left insecure
- Board up broken windows or doors temporarily
- Ensure all entry points are locked and secure before you sleep that night
Most emergency locksmiths in {location} offer 24-hour call-out services and can secure your property within an hour or two.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your home insurance provider as soon as possible. You'll need:
- Your policy number
- The crime reference number from the police
- A list of stolen and damaged items (start compiling this immediately while your memory is fresh)
- Photographs of any damage to doors, windows, locks, and the property interior
- Receipts, valuations, or proof of purchase for stolen items (check bank statements and online order history if you don't have physical receipts)
Improving Your Security
After the immediate crisis, take steps to prevent it happening again:
- Upgrade your locks: If the burglar snapped a euro cylinder, replace it with an anti-snap cylinder (TS007 3-star or SS312 rated). Ensure all external doors have BS3621-compliant locks
- Assess entry points: Ask your locksmith to do a full security survey. They'll identify weaknesses in doors, windows, and other access points
- Consider security additions: Door chains, London bars (for outward-opening doors), window restrictors, and letterbox guards all add layers of security
- Install security lighting: Motion-activated lights on the front, back, and side of the property deter opportunistic burglars
- Consider a doorbell camera or CCTV: Visible cameras are a proven deterrent. Ring, Blink, and Eufy offer affordable options
- Join Neighbourhood Watch: Connected communities are harder targets. Check if there's an active scheme in your area of {location}
The Emotional Impact
Burglary affects people emotionally far more than most expect. Feeling anxious, angry, or unable to sleep in your own home is completely normal. Don't hesitate to speak to your GP if the anxiety persists. Victim Support (0808 168 9111) also offers free, confidential help to anyone affected by crime.
Recovering from a burglary takes time, but taking practical steps to improve your security helps restore your sense of control. A qualified locksmith in {location} can help you make your home significantly harder to break into — often for less than you'd expect.