Everyone wants their home to be safe and protected. Regardless of what was taken, home burglaries are traumatic. Such events can affect your sense of security, and handling the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you are unsure how to navigate the situation, here’s a helpful guide. 

How to Deal With a Home Burglary

1. Notify the Authorities

As soon as you notice there’s been a break-in, call 911. Don’t hesitate to contact the police as soon as possible. The sooner you call, the better the chances are that the burglars could be caught. Having the incident on record is also helpful for filing an insurance claim. As you wait for the police, try not to touch anything; there still could evidence, like fingerprints, that could uncover the identity of the culprit. If you have a security system with surveillance cameras, make sure to give the police a copy when you give your statement. 

2. Inform the Insurance Company

Following the police visit, you can further assess what was stolen or damaged. Draft a thorough and detailed list, and call the insurance agent. If you were given a police report number, provide that as well. Depending on the extent of the loss and damages, they may send a claims adjuster to inspect the situation.  

3. Take Care of Personal Needs

After sorting everything out with the insurance company, you may need to replace what was stolen. However, while delving into the process, check in with yourself regularly. If you ignore your emotions, it won’t matter whether you have the most sophisticated security system; you’ll still carry a feeling of uncertainty. Reach out to a therapist or confide in family members and close friends about how you’re feeling. 

4. Upgrade the Security System

Finally, take the necessary steps to improve the security around your home. If you don’t have anything set up, an alarm system with a motion detector and sensors on all the windows and doors is a good starting point. You may also want to look into adding surveillance cameras. Consider consulting with a security specialist as well. They can determine any potential vulnerabilities you may have overlooked. 

Whether you’ve recently experienced a burglary or are just being proactive, call Western Alarm Services at (928) 855-5608 to bolster your home security. For more than 40 years, they’ve helped protect residents and businesses in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and the surrounding areas. They offer full-service surveillance and alarm systems, with the option for additional monitoring as well. To learn more about their range of security services, visit their website.