6 things to do to your home following a burglary
According to the Office for National Statistics, around 2 in 100 households were victims of domestic burglary during 2017.
That makes the chances of your home being burgled relatively low, but if it does happen, dealing with the trauma of losing possessions and having your home violated by an intruder can be challenging.
Crimes of this nature may leave you feeling shaken, vulnerable and uncertain of what to do next. These feelings are not uncommon, and you certainly shouldn’t feel ashamed if you experience them.
If you have been burgled, there are a few crucial steps to take to make your home feel safe again.
1. Speak to the police – then secure the point of entry
It’s vital that you contact the police as soon as possible after a burglary. This will enable them to visit your home and gather evidence. They’ll also be able to give you a crime reference number that you can give to your home insurer when making a claim.
Once the police have been informed, it’s time to secure your home. You might forget about this in the post-burglary panic, but if a criminal has forced their way in through a door or window, this will still be a weak point.
For people who rent their property, it’s best to contact the landlord or letting agent and get them to organise the necessary repair work as soon as possible. For home owners, you’ll need to hire in a contractor – just remember that your insurance provider may handle this, so check the policy details.
2. Install security cameras
Home surveillance has become much more affordable and flexible in recent years, with companies like Hive and Nest offering dedicated cameras which can detect movement and send alerts to your smartphone.
You don’t need to install cameras to cover every area of your home, thankfully; just make sure that you at least have one focused on the front door.
3. Invest in an alarm system
Alarm systems have also become more sophisticated but can still require extensive installation work, leading many homeowners to decide against having them installed.
If you decide to buy an alarm, just remember that it’s only effective if you actually use it, therefore it’s important to make a routine of setting the alarm every time you leave the house. If you live with others, ensure everyone in the family knows how to use the alarm, but make a pact to keep the access details ultra-secret.
4. Add some deterrents
A common tactic for keeping burglars at bay without breaking the bank is to buy decoy alarm boxes and fake security cameras which can be mounted easily on exterior walls. Automatic security lights fall into this category as well.
If you think these devices are unlikely to be effective, remember that burglars are usually opportunists. By showing them that you’re aware of the need for security, they may think twice about attempting a break-in.
5. Register your valuables
Immobilise is the nation’s official property register and gives the authorities a helping hand when recovering and returning stolen goods.
It can also help with insurance claims, so make sure that all of your precious items, such as computers, smartphones, games consoles and bikes, are registered.
6. Put your keys out of reach
One common tactic burglars use to break in without having to force entry is fishing for keys through the letterbox.
While it may be convenient to hang your house and car keys on hooks close to the door, you might be inadvertently making it easier for criminals to gain access. Instead, reposition the hooks elsewhere or get rid of them altogether and stow away all keys somewhere safe.
If you need a helping hand after a burglary, get in touch with Voice
Our tips above won’t remove every opportunity for burglars to enter your home, but they should offer enough of a deterrent in most cases.
Being burgled is distressing, and if you’ve been affected by this type of crime, the experienced team at Voice can help you deal with the aftermath and help you cope, recover and thrive.
If you need someone to talk to, call us when you feel ready and speak to a member of our friendly, experienced team. We can help you with everything from emotional support to practical advice on securing your home.