What To Do After A Break-In: Advice From A Locksmith
Experiencing a break-in at your home or office is always a traumatic experience. Whether the thieves got away with everything or they fled before they could get to your valuables, you feel a sense of loss that can overwhelm you and make it difficult for you to move on. A professional locksmith outlines the proper steps to take after an intruder has broken into your home or office.
Contact The Authorities
Your first step should be to call the authorities. The local police will want to see the scene, so minimize any movements in and around the area of the break-in. If you can, go to a neighbor’s house or some other location until the police arrive. Although you may be tempted to clean up the area and search your home or office to determine what was taken, resist the urge. If there is evidence that can help lead to the thieves, you don’t want to contaminate it. If you rent rather than own your home, apartment or office, be sure you also contact your landlord or the management company.
Take Inventory
Taking inventory is essential; the authorities will want to know what to be watching for, and an accurate list of your missing property can help them apprehend the thieves. You should also submit a list of valuables to your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance provider so they can begin processing a claim. Your first list will probably miss some things; this is normal after a break-in, so don’t worry if you’re still discovering missing items days later.
Repair Damages And Consult With A Locksmith About Adding Security
You should immediately talk to a contractor or locksmith who can repair any damages to your property such as a broken door jamb or shattered window. You’ll feel like your life is returning to normal once you don’t have to look at the evidence of the robbery. Once repairs are done, talk to your locksmith about installing high security locks on all of your doors and windows, particularly any that offer relatively easy access to your home. Reinforcing the door and window frames is also a good idea.
High security locks are a deterrent in more ways than one. They are very difficult to open, so future burglars may give up and move on to an easier target once they realize you have them. If an intruder does try to get around your new, high security locks, he’s much more likely to get caught because he has to linger so long to try and break in.
If you still don’t feel safe after having high security locks installed, discuss additional security measures with your locksmith. They can give you information on alarms, safes, CCTV systems, and monitoring services for your home or office that will add another layer of security to give you peace of mind.
Talk To Someone
Many police departments can refer you to professional counselors who are experienced as victims’ advocates. Talking to a professional can help you overcome any feelings of fear or anxiety that you may experience. They can also give you tips for coping with any feelings of violation or anger you may feel in the weeks following a break-in.
Accredited Lock & Hardware of South Florida offers a complete line of high security locks to protect your home or business from break-ins. A professional locksmith at Accredited Lock & Hardware can give you a complete security evaluation. Visit Accredited Lock and Hardware for your free initial consultation.
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