Five Steps to Take Immediately After a Home Invasion

Posted by ameriglasscontractors on July 8th, 2019

Home invasions are a terrifying, violating experience. It can be difficult to feel safe anywhere, knowing that someone has broken into such a private space. Whether you return home to find your door open or a window shattered, the immediate fear that grips you can be difficult to shake. If you are victimized by a burglar, be sure to take these five crucial steps immediately.

Contact Authorities

Do not enter your home before the police can do a thorough sweep and ensure the home invader is not still present. A cornered suspect may become desperate and violent if discovered, so allowing the authorities to check your property first can prevent further tragedy. Be sure to have them check all closets, crawl spaces, and other possible hiding places.

Once a search is complete, be sure to file a report to record the incident, as this may be useful later.

Document Stolen Property and Damages

The police may have you walk through your home with a detective to document what items have been stolen. Be sure to pay close attention and provide as much information and detail as possible, as this may help them potentially recover your property. A 60-inch Samsung smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity is much easier to tie back to your case than just a big television. If you have any records of large purchases like receipts or photos, this information can also help. Be sure to check your jewelry, electronics, appliances, and storage spaces. Though you may not think something is valuable enough to steal, home invaders know what to grab and what has value on the black market.

Secure Your Home

Don’t let a home invader steal your sense of security. Begin repairs to any damaged property as soon as possible. While you may elect to stay with a loved one for a few nights or book a hotel room, be sure to board up any broken windows or brace doors that may have been broken into. This may be easier said than done if the suspect entered by breaking a glass door.

French or patio glass door repair in Fort Lauderdale doesn’t have to be an additional headache! Ameriglass Contractors can replace or repair any glass door quickly and at your convenience. Our 24-hour emergency glass door repair service means you don’t have to wait until morning or after the weekend to feel safe in your home again. Our team is licensed, insured, and experienced in repairing or replacing all types of glass doors and windows.

File an Insurance Claim

Home owner’s insurance is specifically intended to help you in emergency situations like a home invasion. File a claim with your provider to help you recover costs associated with damage repair and lost items. The police report previously filed can help provide proof of loss to your insurance company as well. Ameriglass Contractors may also be able to work directly with your insurance company to minimize your out of pocket costs.

Address the Emotional Fallout

Having your most private sanctuary invaded can cause serious trauma and emotional damage. Some people may even develop anxiety disorders like PTSD or autophobia (a fear of being alone). Addressing these mental and emotional consequences of burglary can help you move forward and get back to everyday life. You may even find joining a victim support group helpful as you work through healing and reclaiming your sense of security.