Burglary is more common than a lot of people realise —research shows that a residential break-in occurs roughly every two minutes in England and Wales. Discovering your house has been burgled can be a distressing experience, but knowing what to do next can help you regain control of the situation and start the recovery process. 

From securing evidence for the authorities to reviewing your insurance policy, our guide offers clear, practical advice to help you move forward after a burglary. Explore our monitored home security solutions to protect your home for the future. 

After the burglary 

Don’t touch anything  

Michele Bennett, General Manager at ADT UK&I Subscriber said: “If you come home to find you’ve been burgled, a million thoughts will race through your head, but stop, take a breath, and take these immediate actions.”  

After a break in, it’s tempting to try and ‘fix’ things or tidy up, but it’s important to avoid disturbing the scene of the burglary. Touching items or moving your belongings around could destroy crucial evidence, such as fingerprints or footprints, that the police can use to identify the culprit.  

Call the police 

It’s important to contact the police immediately on 101 and provide them with all the details you have. The quicker you report the crime, the faster officers can start their investigation. You’ll be issued with a crime reference number for insurance purposes, as well as to help you get things back to normal. 

Our monitoring plans make sure any unexpected activity in your property is detected quickly. Police Response makes use of ECHO technology to enable the police to respond more quickly, giving you peace of mind. 

Take photos and review your footage  

Photos and videos can be used to supply evidence of any damage you have suffered to your insurance company. Footage could also be vital to the police case, so it’s worth asking your neighbours if they have any CCTV footage of the burglar on the way to, or from, your home. 

Make a list of stolen goods 

Taking care not to disturb the crime scene, check for any missing items and make a list, including approximate values if possible. You can check for any receipts you might have saved, or photos for proof of ownership; it may feel like a long process, but it’s an important step. 

Contact your insurance company 

Once you’ve done all the above steps, it’s time to inform your home insurer about the burglary. Provide your crime reference number, list of stolen items, and any supporting evidence like photos or receipts. By doing this immediately, you get on the road to recovering the cost of your possessions and even some of the damage caused by the intruder. 

Change your locks 

If you were burgled because your keys were stolen, replace your locks immediately to prevent further unauthorized access; this will also help give you peace of mind that your home is secure. Consider upgrading your front door security with a smart video doorbell.   

Cancel your cards 

If you notice that items like bank cards or sensitive documents have been stolen, contact your provider to cancel them immediately. This step helps protect against potential financial fraud that could cause you further stress down the line. 

Secure your home 

Cleaning up is one thing, securing your home is another entirely. You’ll know the point of entry by now, so that is your first port of call. If it was a window, you should review and make changes to any others with a similar structure. With doors, you can make them harder to break through with alarms and CCTV cameras. 

The weeks ahead 

Review your insurance  

Evaluate your current home insurance policy to see what is covered. You might want to consider updating your policy to include additional coverage or any new items you’ve acquired. 

Reach out for support  

Having your home burgled is a really tough time on anyone. It’s emotionally draining, so don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or even professional services. 

Michele continues: “You may feel upset and anxious over the next few days, which is completely natural. Try your best to get into a regular routine. This may not be easy, but with time your house will start to feel like home.” 

Look into victim compensation 

If you have been a victim of crime, you may be entitled to compensation. For example, if you’ve had to pay for property damage after a burglary and the perpetrator is caught, you have the right to press charges and claim that money back through the courts.  

You could have a case if you had to take time off work, suffered emotional distress, were physically injured, or had your vehicle stolen.  

FAQs: 

Should I move after a burglary?  

Strengthening your home’s security can bring a sense of reassurance without needing to move. There’s also no guarantee that a burglary won’t occur again in a new area. 

Do burglars return if they’re unsuccessful? 

Sometimes burglars return if they think the property remains vulnerable, but it’s not always the case. Upgrading your security is one of the best ways to deter intruders from attempting another break-in. 

Do lights put burglars off? 

Yes. Well-placed lights, especially ones activated when no one is around, can discourage burglars by increasing the risk of being seen or caught. Outdoor lighting can help deter burglars from entering your property, as can outdoor cameras which serve as useful deterrents.