Yesterday, we discussed those precautions one should take to protect their homes from burglars. If you’ve taken the steps detailed in that report, then you’ve gone a long way toward stopping a home break-in before it starts, but what happens when all the precautions in the world can’t keep a burglar from gaining access to your home? In those situations, you have to be prepared to keep yourself and your family safe, and a new report explains how to do that.
If you come home, either from a trip or from a short errand, and you sense that something is amiss, then do not enter the home right away. The person who broke in might still be inside, and you don’t want to insert yourself into a dangerous confrontation. If you suspect your home has been burglarized, pull out your cellphone and call the police at once. And if you walked inside before realizing a break-in has occurred, get out of there. Head to a neighbor’s residence or jump back into your car and lock the doors, and wait for the police to arrive.
When the cops get there, enter the residence when they say it’s okay to do so. They’ll likely ask you a few questions about what went missing, and you should keep your own list for reference. Wait until the police can gather evidence before you start touching things so that you don’t compromise the viability of that evidence.
Once the cops head out, it’s time to call your insurance company. First, take photos of parts of the residence that have been compromised. Then once you’re on the line with an insurance agent, explain what happened and what went missing, but don’t agree to anything just yet. Should a dispute arise, you don’t want to give away your rights. Instead, you might consider getting in touch with a lawyer so that a legal professional who knows what kind of coverage you’re entitled to can review your situation. It’s the best way to not get taken advantage of.
Another way to protect yourself is to contact your banks. A burglar may have taken sensitive account information with him or her, and you don’t want to be a theft victim twice over. Consider creating new accounts that a burglar wouldn’t be able to gain access to, and obtain new cards that are similarly protected.
When it comes to repairs, first take care of those things that are needed to ensure the safety of your family and your home. Change the locks in case the thief got ahold of keys, and repairs doors or windows that were damaged during the criminal’s entrance. Other repairs, such as internal damage, should be put off until you speak with an insurance agent and a lawyer so that you know you won’t get stuck with the bill.