| Unfortunately, even the best home security | | | | codes. Yes, this can be expensive, but it's much |
| measures may not be enough to stop a determined | | | | better than the thought of a known criminal with a |
| criminal. Although nobody likes to think about it, it's | | | | key to your home. |
| wise to learn what to do if this unfortunate situation | | | | Understandably, a burglary creates great anxiety, |
| should happen to you. What do you do after your | | | | especially at night. A break-in can even leave |
| home is burglarized? | | | | permanent emotional scars. Upgrade your security, |
| If there's a chance that anyone is still inside, do not | | | | especially if it helps you sleep better at night. |
| enter your home. Instead, call the police, and wait | | | | Everything from door and window alarms to a stun |
| outside, perhaps at a neighbor's house, where the | | | | gun by the door can help you feel secure in your |
| intruders are unlikely to find you. Always remember, | | | | home again. Home security devices are necessary to |
| your possessions can be replaced, but your life | | | | make your home less of a target for criminals. |
| cannot. It's not worth going inside to confront a | | | | To make a claim to your insurance agency, and also |
| burglar and try to get your things back. That's why | | | | for the police report, you'll need to figure out exactly |
| you carry a homeowner's insurance policy; leave | | | | what was stolen. Your insurer will require you to fill |
| catching the criminals up to the police. | | | | out a claims form. If you even think that your credit |
| Once you do enter the home, either because it is | | | | cards or debit cards may have been compromised, |
| clearly empty or because the police have already | | | | call the bank immediately so that fraudulent charges |
| arrived, do not touch anything until the police have | | | | can be avoided. |
| given you the ok. Evidence may be needed, and you | | | | Before your home is burglarized, there are a few |
| may unwittingly destroy this evidence as you begin | | | | things that you can do to prepare yourself for this |
| the cleanup process. The police will also give you a | | | | type of situation. Make sure that you have a good |
| crime report number, which you'll need to give to | | | | homeowner's insurance policy, and know who to |
| your insurer so that your belongings can be replaced. | | | | contact to make a claim. Periodically take photos of |
| Figure out how the burglars got in, and make sure | | | | every room, including close-ups of any valuable items, |
| your home is secured. Immediately repair any | | | | so that you can show what was stolen. This ensures |
| damage to doors or windows. Learn from this event | | | | that the contents of your home will be replaced if a |
| to make your home even more secure. Review your | | | | theft occurs. Of course, this is in addition to home |
| existing security systems and methods to find any | | | | security measures like locks, alarm systems, and |
| faults. Replace any door to which the burglars may | | | | personal defense products like pepper spray in case |
| now have a key, and change your security system | | | | they should break in while you are home. |