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If someone may still be inside, do not enter or investigate: get to a safe place and call your local emergency number. Once there is no immediate danger, report the break-in, follow police directions, and leave the scene undisturbed until police assess it or tell you it is safe to proceed.
Get somewhere safe first
Do not go into the home to check for an intruder, and do not confront or search for anyone. Move to a neighbour’s home or another safe location, then call emergency services if there may be an immediate threat. If you are already inside and suspect someone else is there, leave if you can do so safely; otherwise, find a secure place and call for help.
Emergency numbers depend on where you are. For example, Police Scotland advises calling 999 if the intruder may still be present; Toronto Police identifies 9-1-1 for a crime in progress or immediate threat; and Victoria Police advises calling Triple Zero (000) for an active incident or immediate danger. These are local examples, not interchangeable numbers. Use the emergency number for your location.
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Once you are safe, report the incident promptly using the local emergency or non-emergency channel appropriate to the situation. Tell police whether anyone could still be inside, what you noticed, where the intruder may have entered or gone, and whether anything was touched or left behind. Mention any CCTV, doorbell-camera, or audio recordings.
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Ask whether police need the home left undisturbed and what you should do next. Follow their directions; officers or investigators decide what evidence to examine and which steps are appropriate. Do not assume officers will attend in every case. Keep the police file or incident reference number, since it may be needed for later communication or an insurance claim.
Leave possible evidence alone
Until police have assessed the scene or told you it is safe to proceed, avoid walking through areas the intruder may have crossed, touching surfaces they may have handled, or cleaning up. Potential evidence can include fingerprints, footwear marks, tools, blood, damage at an entry point, or items left behind. Tell police what you observed rather than collecting, testing, or examining anything yourself.
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Ask the Police, in its answer to Q756, advises: “Please do not attempt to clean up prior to the police arriving as it is essential that forensic evidence is not disturbed or destroyed.” It also advises avoiding the suspected entry door if possible and telling police about objects the offender may have touched or left behind.
If evidence is outdoors or at risk
Weather or foot traffic can threaten outdoor evidence. Metropolitan Police guidance says to cover the area without disturbing it. Nottinghamshire Police also advises covering evidence at risk and treating movement as a last resort, with gloves or a barrier if it must be moved. Ask your local police service what to do rather than improvising a collection method.
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If you were grabbed
If someone touched or grabbed you, tell police promptly. Metropolitan Police advises avoiding touching or washing the affected skin. If potentially relevant clothing is involved, its guidance is to change and place the clothing in a clean plastic bag. Do this only when relevant and safe, and follow local police instructions.
Preserve camera and recording-device footage
Do not switch off a CCTV or doorbell-camera device or change its settings. Tell police that recordings exist and ask how they want them preserved. Metropolitan Police guidance says that, if possible, a downloaded copy should include five minutes before and five minutes after the incident. Keep the original recording on the device and do not delete it. If you cannot download footage, leave the device on and note the date and time shown on its display.
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Secure the property after police assessment
Wait until police have assessed the scene or told you it is safe to proceed before starting repairs. Photograph damage first. Tell repair workers which areas may contain evidence and ask them to avoid disturbing those areas. Metropolitan Police suggests, where possible, leaving broken glass in place, wearing gloves, avoiding the inside of frames, and securing doors or windows from the outside; New Zealand Police likewise advises warning repair workers about possible fingerprints. Follow police directions on the repair sequence.
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After the scene is cleared, focus on restoring the compromised entry point and reducing further access. Police guidance mentions locks, additional locks, security bars, certified security products, alarms, security lighting, and cameras, but does not establish one universally best option. A qualified locksmith or repair professional can assess the actual door, lock, or window and whether a proposed measure is compatible. Consider whether you need a temporary repair or a longer-term improvement, and check which security standards apply locally.
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Document losses and contact your insurer
Make a list of missing or damaged belongings. Include the make, model, serial number, and estimated value where you know them; photographs, receipts, or other records may help. Give the information to police or update your report as the local service permits. If you remember a suspect’s or vehicle’s description, including a registration number, write it down and pass it to police.
After the scene is cleared, contact your insurer and ask what your policy requires, including any documentation, deadlines, or next steps. Requirements vary by policy. RCMP guidance says insurers typically ask for a police file number, a list of stolen or damaged items, and photographs where appropriate. If payment cards or cheques are missing, Ask the Police advises contacting your bank immediately.
Make room for the emotional impact
A break-in can affect your sense of safety even after the physical damage is addressed. If you feel shaken, ask someone you trust to stay with you or help with calls and practical tasks. Local police or victim-support organizations may be able to connect you with practical and emotional support; the relevant services and contact details depend on your location.
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