What to Do After Your Home Has Been Burglarized

If you come home to find that your home has been burglarized, you could still be in danger. There is a very real possibility that the thief could still be inside, armed and potentially dangerous. According to Morton Feldman, executive vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Chiefs of Police, "The best policy is to back right out of there, go to a neighbor's home and call 911."

You should never use your own phone to call the police immediately after a break-in, as the thief could have made a few phone calls, and could have left prints on the receiver, along with a traceable redial number. You never know what items the burglar has touched, including the refrigerator, so do not move or touch anything until the police arrive.

Once the police have arrived and have secured your property, they will ask you for a list of missing items, and, if possible, receipts. You will also need this information in order to file an insurance claim afterward.

After the police have determined a point of entry, you will need to quickly repair any damage, and take proper measures to boost your security. Many thieves break into the same home a second time. They know that it was easy the first time, and that everything they stole has been replaced by new merchandise. Upgrading your locks and doors, and changing and reinforcing the point of forced entry will make it more difficult for the thief to gain entry a second time.

In much the same way, if one burglar found your home attractive, others may also. Taking preventative security measures, such as upgrading your locks on both doors and windows, installing an entry alarm or a whole house security system will help to ensure that your family is not victimized again. It is also a good practice to engrave your name or an identifying number on your valuable possessions; this will enable your possessions to be returned to you after they have been recovered by the police.