Discovering your home has been broken into is terrifying and overwhelming. In those first moments, it's hard to think clearly. This guide walks you through exactly what to do—step by step—to secure your property, work with police, and protect your family.
🚨 First: Is It Safe?
If you arrive home and suspect a break-in is in progress:
- DO NOT enter the home
- Go to a neighbor's house or stay in your car
- Call 911 immediately
- Wait for police to clear the home before entering
Immediate Steps (First Hour)
Call 911
Report the break-in to police immediately. Even if the burglar is long gone, you need an official police report for insurance claims and in case items are recovered later. Don't clean up or touch anything until police arrive.
Document Everything
Before police arrive (if safe) or while they're there, take photos and videos of:
- Point of entry (broken window, damaged door)
- Ransacked rooms
- Any visible damage
- Areas where items are clearly missing
This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.
Secure the Entry Point
If a window is broken or door is damaged, you need to secure it immediately. Options:
- Board up broken windows with plywood
- Call an emergency locksmith for door/lock damage
- If you can't secure it, don't leave the home unattended
Within 24 Hours
Change ALL Locks
Even if the burglar entered through a window, change every exterior lock. Why? Because:
- They may have found and copied spare keys
- They may have unlocked doors from inside for future access
- Any lock they touched may be compromised
This includes front door, back door, garage entry, and any side doors.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the break-in to your home insurance provider as soon as possible. You'll need:
- Police report number
- List of stolen items with estimated values
- Photos of damage
- Receipts for stolen items (if available)
Create a Complete Inventory
Walk through every room and list everything that's missing. Don't forget:
- Electronics (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles)
- Jewelry and watches
- Cash and credit cards
- Important documents (passports, SIN cards)
- Prescription medications
- Keys (house, car, office)
Within One Week
Upgrade Your Security
Burglars often return to the same homes because they know the layout. Consider:
- Better locks: Upgrade to Grade 1 deadbolts
- Security cameras: Visible deterrent + evidence if it happens again
- Motion lights: Illuminate entry points
- Alarm system: Monitored systems provide 24/7 protection
- Reinforced doors: Door armor or reinforced strike plates
Protect Your Identity
If any documents or devices were stolen, take immediate action:
- Change passwords on all online accounts
- Contact banks to freeze or monitor accounts
- Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion)
- Report stolen ID to Service Canada
- If passports stolen, contact Passport Canada
✅ Quick Checklist
- ☐ Called 911 and filed police report
- ☐ Documented damage with photos/video
- ☐ Secured entry point
- ☐ Changed all exterior locks
- ☐ Contacted insurance company
- ☐ Created inventory of stolen items
- ☐ Changed passwords if devices stolen
- ☐ Contacted banks if cards/documents stolen
- ☐ Upgraded security (locks, cameras, lights)
- ☐ Talked to neighbors (they may have seen something)
Emotional Recovery
A break-in is a violation of your personal space. It's normal to feel:
- Anxious, especially at night
- Angry at the burglar and the situation
- Unsafe in your own home
- Difficulty sleeping
These feelings are valid and usually fade with time. Taking action to improve security often helps restore a sense of control. If feelings persist, consider talking to a counselor.
Need Emergency Lock Service?
We respond within 30 minutes to secure your home after a break-in. 24/7 availability.
📞 Call (343) 312-8468