Key takeaways
- If the door is forced, don’t go in: the burglar may still be inside. Call the police from outside.
- Don’t touch or tidy anything before the police have seen it.
- Photograph and film every room, then list what’s missing with proof of ownership.
- Tell your home insurer within the contract deadline, often a couple of working days for theft.
Finding your home broken into is a violation of the place you feel safest. The first reaction is to rush in and check what’s gone. Resist it for a few minutes: what you do in the first hour protects you physically, helps the investigation and makes your insurance claim much easier.
1. Stay outside and call the police
If you see a forced door or window, don’t enter: the burglar could still be inside. Move to a safe place, a neighbour’s home or your car, and call the police. Tell them whether you think someone is still inside.
2. Don’t touch anything
Until the police have come, don’t tidy, clean or move objects. Burglars leave traces: fingerprints, footprints, tool marks. If you must go in (for a child or a pet), touch as little as possible and tell the officers what you touched.
3. Record the scene
Once the police allow it, film a slow walk through every room, then photograph the point of entry, the damage, open drawers and empty spaces where valuables were. These images support both your insurance claim and the police report. Our guide /blog/how-to-document-an-incident/ explains how to keep records credible.
4. List what’s missing
- Make a list room by room: description, brand, model, serial number, approximate value.
- Gather proof of ownership: invoices, bank statements, photos of you with the object, warranty cards, boxes.
- Check cards, chequebooks, ID documents and keys. Block cards and report missing documents (see /blog/lost-or-stolen-id-card-or-passport/).
- If phones or laptops were taken, lock them remotely and change passwords (see /blog/phone-stolen-what-to-do/).
5. File the police report
Give the officers your list, or bring it to the station if you complete it later. Ask for the report or its reference number: your insurer will need it. You can usually add missing items to the report if you discover them in the following days. See /blog/how-to-file-a-police-report/.
6. Claim on your home insurance
Theft is usually covered by home insurance (often called multi-risk home insurance), sometimes only if there was a break-in. Declare it quickly, often within two working days for a theft, and send the police report, your list and your proof of ownership. Keep the damaged door or window until the insurer has seen it or authorised repair, unless you need to secure the home: then photograph it first and keep the invoices.
Secure your home the same day: board up the window, change the lock if the keys were taken. Emergency repair costs are often covered; keep the receipts.
Afterwards
A burglary can leave you anxious for weeks. Talk about it, and don’t hesitate to ask for support from victim associations. Improve security with sturdier locks, lights on timers and good neighbour relations.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t have receipts for stolen items?
Other proof can help: bank statements, photos, the box or manual, a warranty registration, witnesses. Insurers usually accept a combination of proofs; without any, compensation may be reduced.
Is a theft without a break-in covered?
Often not, or only partially. Many policies require signs of forced entry, violence or a specific method. Check your policy wording.
Should I post about the burglary on social media?
Warning neighbours is useful, but avoid publishing photos of your home’s layout, your remaining valuables or your absence dates.
General information to help you get organised, not legal advice. Procedures and numbers can change: confirm them with the office concerned, and in danger call your local emergency number first.