5 Steps to Take After an Attempted Break-In

Sheer worry and fright might set in once you realise a trespasser has attempted to access your home. Signs of burglary might be obvious, as you could arrive home to a broken door or a smashed window. However, the signs might be more subtle, such as scuffed windows, repositioned outdoor furniture, or scratches on your front or back door.

Even if an intruder didn’t access your home, the thought of a stranger on your property may fill you with fear. Don’t feel unsafe in your home. Follow these five steps to take after an attempted break-in.

Step 1: Call the Police ASAP

If you arrive home to obvious signs of intrusion, don’t step inside the home. As tempting as it might be to catch a burglar in the act, it is a much safer option to call the police right away to attend the scene. It will prevent an altercation between you and the trespasser while confirming you haven’t touched anything at the scene, improving the police’s likelihood of catching a criminal.

Step 2: Contact a Local Locksmith

New, stronger locks will help you sleep better at night, as you’ll know a trespasser is less likely to gain access to your property. After the police leave the scene, don’t hesitate to find a locksmith in your area to replace or repair your locks. You can trust your home will be more secure once they say goodbye, which will provide confidence that you, your loved ones, and your belongings are safe from intruders.

Step 3: Assess the Property Damage

Even though an intruder didn’t gain access to the property, they may have caused significant damage to the exterior. For example, they might have broken a door, one or more windows, or various objects in an attempt to enter your home, such as outdoor furniture. For this reason, you must assess your exterior for signs of damage, as you could claim the money back from your insurance provider. Support your claim and a criminal case by taking photographs of the scene for evidence of an attempted break-in.

Step 4: Identify and Fix Potential Property Vulnerabilities

After taking photographs of the scene, you must explore your property and exterior for any potential vulnerabilities. For example, loose garden tools could help a trespasser access your home, or a cracked windowpane could make your property a target for burglary. Once you have identified one or more vulnerabilities, you must take steps to fix them as soon as possible. For example, remove a spare key hidden underneath an outdoor plant pot.

Step 5: Install a Home Alarm System

If you are worried about a trespasser entering your home when you’re sleeping in your bed, at work, or outside the property, a home alarm system could provide peace of mind. Different options are available to suit varying needs and budgets, as some could sound an alarm to encourage a trespasser to flee the scene, and others could notify you or the police about an intruder.