What to Do After Your House Has Been Robbed

Our homes are our sanctuaries, but unfortunately, break-ins do happen. A home invasion can leave you feeling scared and upset, which are normal feelings after being robbed. Take back your space by following this advice for what to do if your home has been robbed.

1. Call the Police 

If you arrive to find your house was robbed, call the police immediately. Since you don’t know if a perpetrator is still inside, find a safe place to wait, like a neighbor’s house, until authorities arrive to take your report. If you experience a break-in while you are home, seek safety for yourself and your family and call 911 as soon as possible. When police arrive, provide them with as much information as you can.

2. Locate Your Pets 

If a perpetrator has broken a window or left a door or gate open, your furry friends may have dashed out to hide. Make sure your pets are secure, and find them a safe place to wait while police investigate. Be mindful of broken glass and other hazards that could harm them.

3. Call Your Insurance Company 

If someone robs your house, it’s important to let your insurance agent know about the break-in as soon as possible so the agent can advise you about documenting damage, tallying missing items and making claims.

4. Document Everything

Take a minute to photograph each room after the robbery. Also jot down what you can remember about timeframes, and note what’s missing or broken and anything else you can remember regarding the incident. Do this as soon as possible because your memory may cloud as time passes.

5. Call Your Bank

Were your credit or debit cards stolen, or have the robbers gotten access to your personal information? If you discover that your identity has been compromised, call your financial institutions to cancel or temporarily freeze accounts.

6. Secure Your Home 

Wait for the OK from both the police and your insurance agent before cleaning up or fixing broken entryways. This is also a good time to review what security measures you have in place and whether you need to make changes. If you suspect the robbers have stolen spare keys, change your locks right away.

7. Inform Your Neighbors 

Often thieves will target one neighborhood for a period of time. Alert the people on your block or in your apartment complex so they know to take extra precautions to protect their homes from a robbery. They may also have seen something suspicious that could help police with the investigation. Post to neighborhood social media pages to cast a wider net.

8. Talk to Someone 

Experiencing anxiety after your house has been robbed is a normal reaction. You might feel a sense of violation you just can’t shake. Talk to a professional or join a group with other people who’ve gone through a similar situation.

Review Your Coverage

Your Farm Bureau agent is always available to help. If you’re worried about identity theft or want to make sure you’re adequately covered, talk to your agent to review your coverage options.