60-second summary
Here’s a brief rundown of what action to take if your home has been burgled:
Report the burglary to the police straight away and get a crime number.
Take photos of damage to doors, locks or other entry points, and list any missing items to help speed up an insurance claim.
Stop any stolen bank cards and mobile phones from being used by the thieves.
Get support if you’re struggling to cope with the trauma of being burgled.
Take measures to shore up security at your home to avoid future break-ins.
What to do straight after a burglary
Although it can be difficult to think straight following a burglary, it’s important to act quickly to stay safe and collect evidence.
Take these steps immediately after you’ve been burgled:
1. Call the police
First, contact the police on 101 to report the crime. If you think the burglar may still be on the premises, make sure you’re not in any danger and call 999 instead. If you’re worried that they might hear you, use the ‘silent 999’ option. Never confront the burglar.
The police will give you a crime number. Make a note of this, as your insurance provider will need it if you make a claim on your home insurance.
2. Don’t touch anything (but take pictures)
Until the police have been, it’s best not to touch anything, particularly surfaces and entry points. The burglar may have left forensic evidence such as footprints, fingerprints or DNA at the scene which could be used to prosecute them.
What you can do in the meantime is take photos of any damage to doors, fences, locks or other entry points. This could help the police with their investigation and potentially speed up the process if you make an insurance claim.
3. Cancel any stolen bank cards
If you think any of your debit or credit cards have been stolen, cancel them as soon as possible. You can usually do this through your banking app or by calling your provider(s). They will then issue you with replacements.
You should also let them know if you’ve lost a phone or other digital devices that had bank account details and logins on them.
Next steps after a burglary
Once you’ve taken the immediate action outlined above, there are a few other important steps to take after being burgled:
1. Note down stolen items
Make a comprehensive list of everything that’s missing or damaged, including digital downloads like games and films. Look for receipts or valuations for items that have been stolen, or bank statements proving you bought them. Alongside receipts, insurance providers may also accept packaging or photos of you with missing items as proof of ownership.
Having these details to hand could help support any home insurance claims you make.
2. Contact your insurance provider
Assuming you have home insurance, you could be covered for stolen or damaged possessions on your contents insurance and property damage on your buildings insurance.
Tell your insurance provider what’s happened, preferably within 24 hours of the break-in. You’ll also need to give them the crime reference number that the police provided. They’ll then guide you through how to make a claim and what to expect after that.
3. Secure your home
If any of your locks are damaged or keys are missing, call a locksmith and get these changed so that your property is secure. Damaged windows and doors will also need fixing. Having home emergency cover could help with the cost of repairs.
Make sure your car keys haven’t been taken. On some newer models, the garage can reprogram the locks for you. If they can’t do this, ask the police or a mechanic for advice on how to prevent the thieves returning and taking your car. You might want to use a steering-wheel lock, for instance.
What should I do if my mobile phone has been stolen?
If your phone is stolen, contact your service provider so they can block your account. If you don’t do this, you could be liable for costs racked up by the thieves.
If you have mobile phone tracking, tell the police as this might help them find the thieves. But never try to track them down yourself as you could put yourself in danger.
If your phone isn’t recoverable, you should be able to claim for a new one if it’s insured or you’re covered by your home insurance policy.
What if important documents were stolen?
Burglars may make off with important documents, such as your passport or driving licence. You’ll need to let the relevant authorities know and organise replacements.
If your passport has been taken, report it at GOV.UK.
If your driving licence has been taken, you’ll need to replace it. Again, you can do this online.
If your birth certificate has been taken, tell the police and contact the General Register Office for a replacement.
If your birth certificate has been taken, so check this is safe. If it’s been taken, tell the police and contact the General Register Office for a replacement.
Home insurance often includes some cover for replacement documentation, but there’s usually a limit on how much you can claim. Check your policy for details.
What should I do if I’m struggling to cope after the burglary?
If you’ve been affected by a crime, there is help available. You can get free, confidential advice by phoning the Victim Support helpline or visiting their website.
If you’re in England and Wales, call 0808 168 9111 or get online support
In Scotland, call 0800 160 1985 or get online support
In Northern Ireland, call 02890 243133 or get online support.
Getting burgled is a distressing experience and can leave you feeling angry and vulnerable for some time. But Victim Support can give you the support and practical information you need to get back on your feet. They can also help you support children coping with the impact of a burglary.
How can I prevent future burglaries?
To help you feel safer, it’s a good idea to add extra security measures. This could also lower your insurance premium.
Here are some easy, affordable ideas that can help deter burglars:
Lay gravel on paths and driveways. It’s noisy to walk on, making it a useful security measure.
Install outdoor lighting.
Install smart lightbulbs that turn on and off on a timer, so it looks like you’re home when you’re not.
Don’t forget to keep windows and doors locked. You’d be surprised how many people forget to do this.
Hide your valuables. Don’t leave laptops or car keys visible through the window.
Paint fences and gates with anti-climb paint.
If you’ve got more cash to spare for security, invest in smart home security such as wireless CCTV or doorbell cameras you can control from your phone.
For more advice, check out our top home security tips.
How can I keep my home safe when I’m on holiday?
Here are some precautions worth taking when you go on holiday:
Ask someone to park on your drive, if you have one.
Install timers or smart bulbs, so your lights automatically switch on and off.
Don’t post holiday photos on social media while you’re away. You’re basically advertising that you’re not at home, which could make you vulnerable to theft.
If your home is going to be unoccupied for more than 30 days, let your insurance provider know. They may place conditions on your policy while you’re away or charge you an extra premium so your home is covered.
FAQs
Do I need to tell my insurance provider I’ve been burgled if I’m not making a claim?
Yes. If you’re burgled, you should let your insurance provider know, even if nothing was taken. If you don’t, you could invalidate your policy if you make a claim in the future.
When am I most likely to be burgled?
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that, according to the Office for National Statistics, most burglaries (56%) take place when it’s dark. But more take place during the week, with less than 30% happening at the weekend.
What do burglars look for when targeting a property?
According to the Met Police, there’s a few signs burglars keep an eye out for. These include packaging from expensive TVs or gadgets left in the recycling, and luxury cars or motorbikes (since the keys are likely to be in the house). Keep sheds and garages secure, as these often contain tools burglars can use to gain entry to your home.
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