What to do in a burglary incident emergency.

Some simple steps to handle a burglary-related emergency.

Experiencing a burglary can be a distressing event, but it's crucial to stay calm and take immediate action. Being prepared and knowing what steps to follow can help mitigate the impact of the incident. This article outlines a series of steps to help you handle a burglary effectively.

1. Prioritize personal safety

   1. If you discover a burglary in progress or suspect someone has broken into your home, prioritize your personal safety. Do not confront the intruder directly, as your well-being is of utmost importance. Instead, find a safe location within or outside your home and avoid any confrontations.

2. Call the police

   1. Contact emergency services number by dialing 911 immediately to inform the police about the burglary. Provide them with accurate details, such as your location, a description of the intruder(s), and any additional relevant information.

3. Do not touch anything

   1. To preserve potential evidence, refrain from touching anything or disturbing the scene until the police arrive. This will assist in their investigation and increase the chances of identifying the perpetrator(s).

4. Ensure your safety

   1. Once you have contacted the police, focus on ensuring your safety and the safety of any other occupants. If possible, gather in a secure location away from the intruder's path. Lock doors, close windows, and remain quiet until law enforcement arrives.

5. Document the details

   1. As soon as it is safe to do so, write down any details you can remember about the incident. This includes a description of the intruder(s), any distinguishing features, and the time the burglary occurred. These details will be helpful for the police investigation.

6. Submit a work order and notify your property management company

   1. To notify us of this situation, start by creating a work order. This way, we can track all the issues that have arisen due to the emergency & resolve them.

      1. You can also contact our 24/7 emergency service line (314-325-8328)

   2. If possible, make a list of damages with corresponding photos.

7. Secure your property

   1. After the police have completed their investigation and given the all-clear, take steps to secure your property.

      1. We will assist you to repair any damaged entry points, such as doors or windows, and consider enhancing the security measures, such as installing an alarm system or upgrading locks.

         1. Please note that this can take time. It's important to ensure your own safety while we work on repairing damages.

8. Notify your insurance company

   1. Contact your insurance company to report the burglary and initiate a claim if necessary. Provide them with the details of the incident, including any documentation or photographs you have collected. Keep a record of all communication and documentation related to the claim.

9. Evaluate your belongings

   1. Make a thorough inventory of the stolen or damaged items. Include descriptions, estimated values, and any relevant purchase receipts or photos. This information will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim and can help law enforcement in their investigations.

10. Strengthen security measures

    1. Take proactive measures to enhance the security of your home to deter future break-ins. This may involve installing security cameras, reinforcing doors and windows, or joining a neighborhood watch program. Consult with security experts or local law enforcement for guidance on improving home security.

    2. Note that we cannot guarantee future break-ins will not occur. As real estate agents, we also cannot comment on the state of crime in an area in order to avoid discriminatory practices. However, if there are safety measures you feel would help, such as installing security devices, etc., we can present these items to the owner for their approval. 

Experiencing a burglary can be traumatic, but by following these steps, you can ensure your safety, aid the police investigation, and facilitate the insurance claim process. Remember to prioritize personal well-being, maintain clear communication with the authorities, and take proactive measures to prevent future incidents.