5 things to do after a home break-in

10 September, 2019   By: Tatum Stafford

To help you quickly deal with the aftermath of a home burglary, here are the steps you should take to get everything back in order. 

1. Call the police

Your first consideration is personal safety – so if you arrive home to discover that a break-in has occurred, don’t go inside or confront any intruders. Go straight to a neighbour and call the police on 131 444. Reporting your break-in straight after it occurs gives the police a better chance of catching the culprit.

If you feel it is safe to enter your home, try not to touch anything as police may be able to gather valuable evidence including DNA or fingerprints. Also remember to ask police to provide a report number once they have examined your property.

2. Contact your insurance company

Once you’ve determined what items are missing, contact your insurer to lodge your claim. Your insurer can then take you through the claims process and take immediate steps to re-secure your home. This can include organising a locksmith or any window repairs depending on your policy and level of cover.

If you're with RAC Insurance you can call 13 17 03 to make your claim over the phone or claim online 24/7.  Once your claim is lodged we'll advise you of the next steps.

3. Re-secure your cards and devices

If credit or debit cards have been stolen, contact your bank immediately. If your computer has been taken, change any passwords or sensitive details that may have been stored within it.

Notify your mobile service provider if your mobile phone has been stolen. They’ll be able to bar your SIM to prevent anyone else from using it and can also block your device’s IMEI so it cannot be used with another SIM.

If you’ve set up tap and pay on your smart phone and you have Find My iPhone turned on, you can suspend or permanently remove the ability to pay with Apple Pay from that device. You can also log into the Apple ID remotely and remove all cards from Apple Pay.

4. Improve your home security

Reviewing your home security can ensure a break-in doesn’t happen again. Do this as soon as possible, as repeat break-ins at the same property are not uncommon.

According to an Australian Institute of Criminology report*, often a burglar will return at a time when they believe stolen items may have been replaced with approximately one in four households burglarised again within a year.  Upgrading your security system with lights, alarms or cameras installed by a licensed professional is a great step to deter intruders in future.

5. Look after yourself and your community

Let your neighbours know that you’ve experienced a break-in so the community can be extra vigilant. The 2018 RAC Home Security Survey^ found that 80% of households informed their neighbours following a burglary, enabling residents to work together against crime. 

And if you experience any ongoing emotional trauma following the event, consider speaking with a professional or reach out for support from family and close friends. RAC provides a Member Assistance Program which gives members up to four counselling sessions with PeopleSense. This service is free to RAC members and is completely confidential.

* Australian Institute of Crimonology Report, Burglary Prevention
^ 2018 RAC Home Security Survey