What to Do After a Home Burglary
One of the most traumatic events for homeowners is the discovery of a burglary. No one wants to arrive home after a hard day’s work to discover that all their valuables are missing. While most are grateful to be safe, it can be difficult to overcome the fear and anger felt afterwards. At QuickPro Locksmith, we provide residential, commercial and automotive services in Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Norcross, Tucker, Smyrna, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Georgia and other nearby communities. If you find yourself struggling with the aftermath of a home invasion, here are a few important steps to take right away.
Call the Police
The very first thing to do after discovering a break in is to call the police. It’s recommended to leave the home immediately and dial 911. There’s no way of telling if the criminal is still inside the house, so it’s best to run to a neighbor’s house, or drive down the road before alerting the authorities. Once authorities arrive at your home, they will let you know that it’s safe to return, and you can begin to assess the amount of loss and damages. If you have surveillance cameras installed, the footage should be turned over to police now, so they can identify and potentially apprehend the suspect as soon as possible. The faster the criminal can be traced down, the higher the chances will be of getting your valuables back.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The next step is to contact your insurance company and let them know your house has been broken into. Take pictures of the damage before cleaning anything up, so you can provide evidence of shattered windows, battered doors and stolen appliances. Your agent will let you know which steps to take in order to receive financial reimbursement for your losses.
Replace or Repair Damaged Locks, Doors or Windows
Once you’ve filed a police report and insurance claim, you can begin to reorganize and repair your property. Take care of the most vital security components first, such as replacing the locks on the entryway door or replacing glass in your front window.
Update Your Security
The last step is to review the vulnerabilities of your home, and determine how the thief gained entry onto your property. Think about ways you could deter future crime, and upgrade your security plan accordingly. Do you need to purchase better insurance? Would it have been helpful to have video footage of the break in? Are you using basic pin and tumbler locks that can be picked? Should you switch to keyless entry locks or high security deadbolts? Maybe it’s time to install shatter proof glass on first floor windows? It’s important to answer all these questions and more so you’re able to defend yourself against another attack.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Defense System? Call QuickPro Locksmith Today
Is it time for your family to take your home security to the next level? Get the help you need from QuickPro Locksmith. Our team of experienced, highly trained locksmiths will come to your Atlanta, Georgia area home or business and provide security solutions that match your unique needs and budget. Contact our office right away for more information about our services or to schedule a convenient appointment with a mobile locksmith in your neighborhood.
