Break-ins leave homeowners feeling violated, and their sense of security completely jeopardized. It is in these trying conditions, however, that homeowners have to take important next steps. Because it can be so difficult to keep a level head after such an unsettling experience, it is helpful to review what to do if your home is ever broken into, before it happens. Here is a checklist.

1. Call the police

The first thing you should do after realizing your home has been broken into is call the authorities. The sooner you get in touch with them, the better their chances will be of catching the perpetrator and recovering whatever was stolen. When they get to your house, they will help you review your options on how to file a report. 

2. Take notes

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, write down everything you can remember or that you can observe that might be helpful later on. Here are some details you will want to include if you noticed them: 

• Were you home? 
• How did they enter?
• How many intruders did you see?
• What was their sex? Age? Race? 
• What were they wearing?
• How did they exit? 

3. Take pictures

Without disturbing the crime scene, try to take pictures of the areas where the burglars may have entered from, especially if they broke or damaged anything in the process. Also take pictures of areas where anything was stolen from or any other damage the burglars may have done to your home. 

4. File an insurance claim

As soon as you have a copy of a police report, get in touch with your homeowners insurance company to begin the claims process. If they send an adjuster to your home, you will be well-equipped to help him by providing details from the police report and your notes and photos. 

To get a free home insurance quote online, contact Fundy Mutual today.