What To Do After a Break-In: Your Essential Action Guide

Spring and summer in South Africa bring longer days, warmer weather, and more outdoor activities with friends and family. But this also means more time away from home, and an empty house presents an opportunity for thieves. The last thing anyone wants after an enjoyable day out is discovering their home has been broken into; the shock and financial loss can be overwhelming.

If you find yourself a victim of a break-in, consider these essential steps to help you navigate the situation and get the assistance you need.

1. Prioritise Safety and Call the Police

Your safety is paramount. Before entering, check whether the intruders might still be inside. If it's safe to enter, consider asking security personnel or a neighbour to accompany you. If you suspect the intruders could still be in the house, do not go inside. Find a safe location and contact the police immediately.

Once you're certain it's safe, resist the urge to touch anything at the crime scene until police arrive and inspect it. Any evidence you disturb could potentially compromise the investigation. This discipline is difficult when you want to assess what's been taken, but it's crucial for both the police investigation and your insurance claim.

2. Speak to Your Neighbours

Talking to neighbours or potential witnesses can help you gather valuable information for both the police and your home insurance provider. Someone may have seen something suspicious, a person lurking around, an unfamiliar vehicle, or unusual activity.

By alerting neighbours, you're not only helping yourself, but you're also warning others about criminal activity in the area. The more people are aware of the crime, the more vigilant the community becomes regarding suspicious characters. This collective awareness can help prevent future incidents.

3. Document Everything

You'll likely be in shock following the discovery, but there's information that both the police and your insurer will request from you. Writing down everything is advisable: document your discovery, what witnesses say, and what appears to have been stolen. Create a detailed timeline of events.

Taking photographs of the crime scene is another crucial way to collect useful information and evidence. Photograph the point of entry, any damage, disturbed areas, and the general state of rooms that were accessed. Whatever you do, don't touch, move, or clean up anything until the police authorise you.

4. Contact Your Insurer Immediately

If your home is insured, contact your insurer as soon as possible to inform them of the incident. This is where your detailed notes become invaluable. Provide your insurer with a comprehensive list of missing items for your home insurance claim.

Resist any temptation to add additional items to your claim that weren't actually stolen. This constitutes fraud and will seriously affect your credibility with insurers in future, potentially impacting your ability to get cover. Be honest and thorough. Your insurer is there to help, but they rely on your integrity.

Be prepared to provide the police case number, a detailed description of stolen items, including serial numbers where available, and any proof of ownership such as receipts, photographs, or warranty documents. This is why maintaining a home inventory with photographs is so important; it makes the claims process significantly smoother.

5. Assess Security Weaknesses and Make Improvements

Take careful note of how the intruders gained access. This will help you identify areas in your security that could be lacking and create risk. Burglars typically target homes with obvious security weak spots: inadequate lighting, easy-to-climb walls, accessible windows, or homes without alarm systems.

Consider which security improvements are necessary:

• Installing or upgrading alarm systems

• Improving outdoor lighting

• Reinforcing doors and windows

• Installing security cameras

• Improving perimeter fencing

• Trimming bushes that provide hiding spots
  

Remember to inform your insurer of any security upgrades, as these changes will affect your risk profile and potentially reduce your insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for approved security improvements, so these upgrades may partially pay for themselves through reduced premiums.

Break-In Your Essential Guide to the Emotional Impact

Being a victim of a break-in isn't only about financial loss; it's a violation that can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home. The emotional impact can be significant, affecting your sense of security and well-being. Don't underestimate this aspect, and consider speaking to a counsellor if you're struggling to feel safe again.

Dealing with the loss of valuables shouldn't add to your stress. Check your home and contents insurance policy to ensure you're adequately covered. If you haven't experienced a break-in, now is the time to review your cover, document your belongings, and ensure your security measures meet your insurer's requirements.

Prevention is always better than cure, but if the worst happens, being prepared and knowing what steps to take can make a traumatic situation more manageable. Your insurance is there to help you recover. Make sure you understand how to use this Break-In Your Essential Guide when you need it most.