What to Do After a Break-In: A Step-by-Step Guide for Melbourne Residents

1. Call the Police Immediately

The first step after discovering a break-in is to contact the police. Dial 000 for emergency assistance and provide them with as much information as you can. Reporting the incident is crucial, as it:

• Helps document the crime for insurance purposes.
• Assists in catching the perpetrator by allowing the police to track patterns in local burglaries.
• Ensures the break-in is officially recorded, which can aid local law enforcement in neighborhood security.

Once the police arrive, they will assess the situation, take statements, and collect any evidence that may help with the investigation.

2. Avoid Touching Anything

To preserve evidence, avoid touching or moving anything inside your home until the police arrive. Forensic teams often look for fingerprints, footprints, or any items left behind by the intruder that could lead to identification. Disturbing the scene may inadvertently erase crucial evidence.

Quick Tips:

• Refrain from cleaning up or moving items.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected areas.
• Avoid touching any doors, windows, or objects the intruder may have handled.

3. Document the Damage

After the police give you the all-clear, take photos of the damage and any items that were stolen. This documentation will be essential for your insurance claim, as it provides concrete evidence of the break-in and any losses you’ve suffered.

• Photograph Damaged Entry Points: Include doors, windows, or any area showing signs of forced entry.
• List Missing Items: Make a detailed list of stolen items, including serial numbers if possible. Many people find that stolen items often include electronics, jewelry, and cash.
• Note Any Suspicious Observations: Record any details you may remember about unusual people or vehicles near your home before the break-in.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have documented the break-in, call your insurance provider to report the incident. Many insurers require immediate notification following a burglary. Provide them with the following:

• Police Report Number: This confirms the incident has been officially documented.
• Photos and List of Stolen/Damaged Items: This documentation will support your claim and expedite the reimbursement process.
• Repair Estimates: If you have any estimates for repairing damaged doors or windows, share these with your insurer as well.

Your insurance company will likely guide you on the next steps to process your claim effectively.

5. Notify Your Neighbors

Alerting your neighbors is an important step in enhancing community safety. Not only does this help them stay vigilant, but it also encourages them to report any suspicious activity they may have witnessed. If break-ins are increasing in your area, consider forming or joining a neighborhood watch group.

Community Safety Tips:

• Share information on local social media groups or neighborhood apps.
• Discuss adding security measures, like motion-sensor lights or security cameras, to monitor shared areas.
• Organize regular meetings to stay updated on community safety concerns.

6. Secure Your Property: Call Lancaster Locksmiths

Once the police have given you the all-clear to clean up and make repairs, securing your home is the next priority. Contact a professional locksmith to assess the damage, repair or replace broken locks, and rekey your property. Re-keying ensures that anyone who might have found or copied your key will no longer have access.

How Lancaster Locksmiths Can Help You After a Break-In:

• Emergency Lock Repairs: We’ll secure broken doors or windows with sturdy, reliable lock replacements.
• Rekeying Services: Rekeying ensures old keys won’t work, even if a spare key was lost or stolen.
• Security Upgrades: For added protection, consider installing security doors, deadbolts, or high-security locks to make your home a tougher target.