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It’s every homeowner’s nightmare. You pull in the driveway and find your door has been forced open or a window smashed. You can barely process what’s happened, fretting about what’s been stolen and the harm done to your home. What should you do? Remain calm, take a deep breath, and follow these steps after a break-in at your Pensacola home.  

When things get back to normal, see how to better prevent break-ins with a modern security system.

Immediate Steps After A Burglary

Finding your house has been burglarized is traumatizing. You could be shaken, angry, or just in shock. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s important to stay level-headed by doing the following: 

• Don’t go inside. It’s only natural that you want to go inside to see what happened. Don’t. There’s a risk an intruder is still on site.
• Call the authorities at once.  Keep yourself and loved ones at a safe distance and wait until first responders arrive. Work with law enforcement to file a report. 
• Don’t touch a thing. Allow officers take over and do their job.  

What Do You Do Next?

You’ve made an official report with law enforcement, and it’s safe to go back inside. What should happen next? 

• Alert your bank and credit card companies . If a burglar stole wallets, purses, or private documents, you’ll wish to contact your credit card issuers and banks immediately. It’s wise to put a hold on accounts and your credit. You might also request a fraud alert with the three main credit bureaus.
• Call your insurer. Start the claims process with your insurance provider. You should do so within 24 hours of the break-in. 
• Record damage on camera. Document broken windows, forced doors, and any other damage you see.
• Document what was taken. Make a list of what’s gone and provide it to the authorities and your insurance company.
• Secure your house. Restore your home’s security by replacing locks, fixing windows and doors, and repairing other damage. If you utilize a digital lock, now is the time to change your access codes.

Getting your home back in order will help ease your mind and make things feel normal. After you do so, it’s time to start thinking enhancing your home security.

Assess And Improve Your Pensacola Home’s Security

What can you do to prevent another break-in from taking place? Your starting point should be to evaluate your home’s security. A new system with the following equipment will go a long way to keeping your home safe: 

• Security cameras: Nearly every trespasser will reconsider their plans when they see surveillance cameras. Today’s exterior and doorbell cameras offer advanced functionality like AI-powered smart detection. Any time there’s questionable activity, you’ll get a notification. 
• Access-point sensors: All doors and windows (especially those on the lower level) should be safeguarded by glass-break or contact sensors.
• Smart locks and lighting: These automated components can be controlled from anywhere. Concerned you forgot to lock up? You can confirm and engage the lock directly from your phone. You can even have interior lighting go on if a camera spots an unwanted guest.

If you are searching for an integrated system that notifies you and monitoring staff whenever a camera or sensor is set off, look into a package from the home security specialists at ADT. You’ll appreciate the remote access, round-the-clock monitoring, and convenient automation.

Avoid Break-Ins With The Top Home Security Systems In Pensacola

Stop break-ins at your property with an ADT home security package in Pensacola from Secure24 Alarm Systems. As an authorized ADT dealer, we install modern equipment from the top name in the business. Learn more about your options by reaching out to (850) 347-8091 or filling out our form today.