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After a burglary checklist

Nothing on this list matters more than the first item. Everything after it can wait a few minutes.

24 items

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The items

  1. Do not go inside if there's any chance someone's still thereStay outside, or leave if you're already in, and call 999 from somewhere safe.
  2. Police called and a crime reference number requestedMost insurers need this number before they'll open a claim, so ask for it even if an officer doesn't attend in person.
  3. Everyone accounted for and safe
  4. Locks changed or secured, once the police say it's fine toA broken lock left overnight is an invitation, not a formality to sort out tomorrow.
  5. Insurer contactedMost have a claims line that starts the process the same day, even before the full list of what's missing is known.
  6. Photos taken of the damage and the scene before anything is tidiedFor the claim, and because it's much harder to reconstruct once the room's been put back together.
  7. What's missing written down as it's noticedIt rarely comes to mind all at once — keep adding to the list over the next few days rather than trying to finish it in one sitting.
  8. Serial numbers and receipts gathered for anything takenFor electronics especially — a serial number is what lets police actually match a recovered item to you.
  9. Bank cards and anything financial checked
  10. Cards cancelled if they were in the house and are now missing
  11. Cheque books and any passwords written down nearby changed
  12. Windows and doors temporarily secured if damagedA board and some tape until a qualified tradesperson can fit a proper replacement.
  13. Neighbours asked if they saw or noticed anythingWorth doing the same day, while it's still fresh for them too.
  14. Support arranged for anyone shaken by itA burglary unsettles people more than the value of what's taken would suggest — that's a normal reaction, not an overreaction.
  15. Home security reviewed once things have calmed down
  16. Locks upgraded on any door or window that was forced
  17. An alarm or camera considered, if there isn't one already
  18. A habit agreed on for actually locking up every time
  19. Claim followed up in writingA phone call is easy to lose track of — an email or letter afterwards keeps a record of what was agreed.
  20. Post redirected temporarily, if ID documents were takenReduces the chance of a stolen document being used to intercept anything sent to the address.
  21. Affected accounts and documents flagged
  22. Bank told if account details or cheques were taken
  23. Passport office told if a passport was taken
  24. DVLA told if a driving licence or vehicle documents were taken

Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.

Questions people ask

Should I go inside if I think someone's still there?
No — stay outside, call 999, and wait for the police. A burglar disturbed in the act is more dangerous than an empty house.
How quickly do I need to report it for insurance purposes?
As soon as possible, and ask for a crime reference number — most insurers won't process a claim without one.
Can I start cleaning up straight away?
Not until the police have looked, if they're attending in person — clearing up too soon can remove evidence they'd otherwise have used.