Has your home been robbed? Here are the first 10 steps to take

If your home is robbed, follow these 10 steps:

1. Call the police

The sooner the police are notified, the better the chance of catching the thief. However, if he is still inside the house, do not enter the house and call 911. Go to a safe place, such as a neighbor’s house, but stay nearby to monitor what is happening. Remember that there is nothing good that is worth your life, so don’t risk it.

2. Don’t touch anything

Faced with the disorder of a robbery, the desire to tidy up everything can be great, but don’t forget that your home is a crime scene. If something is touched before the investigation begins, this could destroy evidence and make the work of law enforcement more difficult.

3. Record all property that has been stolen or damaged

It is vital to record everything stolen, even if some items are of little value. Include serial numbers, photos of what was stolen, and any markings that might identify your property. You can also take this survey while waiting for the police. This inventory will help the authorities identify your belongings if they are found. Your insurer will also need these materials to register your participation and activate your home insurance.

4. Protect your account and identity

It is crucial to prevent thieves from tampering with your bank accounts or important documents. If your credit or debit cards are missing, call your bank immediately to cancel them. If devices containing passwords or account details were stolen during the break-in, change them remotely as soon as possible and contact the relevant platforms. Likewise, if your cell phone has been stolen, call your operator to cancel your SIM. If you realize that you are missing personal documents, such as a passport or driving license, notify the competent authorities.

5. Make sure you are provided with a document proving your criminal complaint

File a criminal complaint as soon as possible with the competent authorities (Public Security Police, National Republican Guard or Judicial Police). Subsequently, when you apply for your home insurance, you will have to provide the insurer with the official document proving the filing of the criminal complaint.

6. Call your insurance company

Depending on your home insurance coverage, your insurer may replace stolen property, pay for repairs made to your property following the break-in, and other costs to protect your home (see Step 7). When you contact your insurance intermediary, make sure you have with you the crime reference number issued by the authorities, any receipts for the stolen goods and the inventory you have carried out.

7. Protect your home

One of the best ways to prevent this situation from happening again in the future is to increase the security of your home. Start by dialing up the security systems you already owned that were damaged by the thief. Change the locks on your house, because the thief may have stolen your keys. Ask law enforcement how you can improve the security of your home and put these tips into practice as soon as possible.

8. Reevaluate your insurance

9. Seek help

Being robbed is an experience no one wants to have. A stranger has not only invaded your home and privacy, but also destroyed or taken irreplaceable possessions and souvenirs. It can be a tough and traumatic circumstance. Therefore, it is essential to ask for help to overcome this situation. Find a victim support group and vent to your family and friends.

10. Submit a compensation claim

If the robbers are caught and brought to justice, a compensation claim can be made. Ask the police how to proceed in this regard.

A robbery is an unpleasant and painful event, but you will solve everything faster if you put these tips into practice. You know, it’s important to stay calm, not get carried away by emotions and move forward. Generali Tranquilidade will be nearby to help you.