A burglary is a traumatic event for anyone that experiences it. It can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home and throw your life into a tailspin. However, after the initial shock and panic wear off, there are things you can do to help yourself recover from this invidious crime and regain some control over your life again. You may feel like the world is crashing down on you after a burglary. Your home might feel like a stranger now that someone has broken into it and stolen your possessions. You might even fear going back there now that burglars know exactly where to find you again. All of these anxieties are natural after such an ordeal, but the sooner you take action, the faster you’ll be able to regain control of your life once again. If you’re feeling anxious, don’t be shy about seeking professional help. Talking to a counselor or therapist can be an incredibly helpful way to process your feelings and come to a deeper understanding of what’s going on inside of you. If you’re feeling depressed, don’t be afraid to seek out medication. Many people have negative thoughts when they’re depressed, but talking to a counselor won’t help if you have clinical levels of anxiety.
Change the locks
One of the first things you should do after a burglary is to change the locks on your home. If the thieves used a key to gain entry, you’ll need to change the locks immediately to prevent them from simply breaking in again. If you think the door might have been left unlocked, check to make sure all the windows have secure latches and that valuables are out of sight. It’s also important to secure your valuables when you’re away from home. Leaving a laptop or expensive jewelry out in the open is an open invitation to thieves. Installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from thieves. Even if you have a security system, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in case someone breaks in. This kit should include things like a first aid kit, water, nonperishable food, flashlights, and a phone that doesn’t require electricity. If the thieves used a crowbar to pry their way in, you’ll still want to change the locks as they may have left marks or scratches on the door that could help police identify how they broke in. Where possible, opt for high-security locks, such as those with a double cylinder pin system. Make sure you check your state and local laws before getting new locks installed since some of them may require a permit.
Report the burglary to the police
Another important step to take after a burglary is to report the incident to the police. Even if there are no witnesses and they don’t expect to find the burglar, it will help you feel as though you’re doing something constructive to fight against crime after the burglary. When you report the burglary to the police, you’ll have to fill out an incident report. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well. These reports are often the first thing investigators look at when they’re trying to solve a crime, so it’s extremely important to get it right. Make sure to include as many details as possible, such as the exact time of the incident, a description of the burglar(s), the make and model of any vehicles they left in the driveway, and any other information you can recall about the incident.
Take photos of your belongings and check for the insurance deductible
After a burglary, it’s common to feel like there’s nothing left to salvage in your home. However, you should still take photos of all of your items before they’re thrown away so you can prove what was stolen in the event of an insurance claim. Taking photos will also allow you to visually see that these items were stolen, even though they’re no longer in your home. Depending on the value of your stolen items, you may be able to claim a deductible reduction. Many insurers reduce the deductible if you have home security devices installed, like alarms or surveillance systems. Make sure to check your policy before you get these devices installed, though, as many insurers will only reduce the deductible if you have a certain level of coverage. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well.
Exit interviews and home security measures
If you were robbed by a stranger, you might be asked to attend an “exit interview” with investigators. This interview is a recorded conversation where you talk about the details of the burglary and what you know about the burglar. You’ll be asked to recount your daily routine and where you keep your valuables, which may seem strange and invasive, but investigators must know this information. You may also be asked to change the habits you have in your daily routine, such as closing and locking your windows and doors. Even if you keep them locked up, they’re still in plain sight and could be easily visible to anyone who ever stops by your home. It’s best to keep any valuables out of sight, especially if they’re small enough to fit in someone’s hands. This way, they’re less likely to be stolen.
There are also some ways to protect your valuables even if they’re out in the open. For example, you can put them in a locked case. A locked case is easier to see than a small box, but it’s also much harder to open. You can also place them in a remote location like a safe or a vault. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
After you’ve taken all of these steps, it may feel like there’s nothing left to do. However, there are a few things you can do to help yourself recover from the burglary and start to feel like you’re in control again. If you have any support networks in your life, such as friends and family, now would be the time to utilize them. After a burglary is not the time to shut out all human contact — you need people in your life who can help you through this difficult time. If you don’t have any support networks, don’t be afraid to go out and make some new connections. You can join a grief support group or even just go out and meet new people.
Conclusion
Finally, after you’ve taken all of these steps, don’t be surprised if you feel a little bit depressed. Burglary is an extremely traumatic event, and it can take a long time to recover from it. The best way to speed up the process and reduce the level of trauma is to find the person who did it and get justice. Finding justice will often take much longer than you would like, especially if you live in a country that has a slow legal system. In the meantime, however, there are things that you can do to reduce the level of stress and trauma that you experience from the burglary. Be patient with yourself, and know that it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Keep in mind that these steps won’t work for everyone. Everyone experiences a burglary differently, and there is no “right” way to handle it. Take care of yourself during this difficult time, and know that you deserve to take as much time as you need to heal.
