What to Do If Your House Is Broken Into?

Coming home to find your house broken into is a deeply unsettling experience. But knowing what to do next, and in what order, makes the whole process significantly more manageable. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to getting through it.

Step 1: Prioritise your safety and call the police

If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, don’t go inside. The intruder may still be on the premises. Move to a safe location, such as a neighbour’s house, and call the police.

• 999 if you believe the intruder is still inside or you’re in immediate danger.
• 101 to report a break-in as a non-emergency once you’re safe.

Wait for the police to arrive and clear the property before you enter. Don’t touch anything until they’ve assessed the scene.

Step 2: Document the damage and what’s missing

Once the police give you the all-clear, go through your home carefully. Your goal at this stage is to gather as much information as possible without disturbing potential evidence.

• Write down everything that appears to be missing or damaged.
• Take photographs of broken locks, smashed windows, and any signs of forced entry.
• Note the police officer’s name and badge number, and make sure you get a crime reference number. You’ll need this for your insurance claim.

For example:

A homeowner returns to find their back door forced open and several items missing, including a laptop, a camera, and some jewellery. She waits outside, calls the police, and photographs every affected room once they’ve cleared the property. Her detailed notes and crime reference number make the subsequent insurance claim straightforward.

If you’ve previously followed our guide on how to document belongings for insurance, this is where that preparation pays off.

Step 3: Contact your insurer

Once you’ve spoken to the police and gathered your documentation, contact your insurer as soon as possible. With Lemonade, you can start a claim directly through the app at any time.

When you get in touch, have the following ready:

• Your crime reference number
• A list of stolen or damaged items
• Photographs of the damage
• Proof of ownership for high-value items where possible, such as receipts, bank statements, or serial numbers

Your contents insurance should cover stolen belongings and damage to your possessions. Buildings insurance covers structural damage, such as a broken door or smashed window. If you have both through the same insurer, let them know the full extent of the damage.

Step 4: Secure your property

Any forced entry point like doors and windows need to be made secure as quickly as possible. Many insurance policies include emergency repair cover, so ask your insurer whether they have approved contractors who can help.

In the meantime:

• Contact a locksmith to repair or replace damaged door locks.
• Board up or temporarily cover broken windows.
• Check all other entry points to make sure they haven’t been tampered with.

5. Look after yourself

The practical steps are important, but so is how you’re feeling. A break-in is a violation of your home and your sense of safety, and it’s entirely normal to feel shaken, anxious, or upset. Give yourself time to process it.

If you’re struggling, Victim Support offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by crime in England and Wales, including burglary. You don’t need to have reported the crime to access their help.

Step 6: Review your security

Once you’re through the immediate aftermath, it’s worth thinking about what you can do to reduce the risk of it happening again. According to ONS crime data, most burglaries are opportunistic. Simple security improvements can make a significant difference.

• Install or upgrade a burglar alarm.
• Fit a video doorbell or security cameras. Our guide on how to install security cameras in your apartment covers renter-friendly options.
• Use timer-controlled smart lights to make the property look occupied when you’re away.
• Mark electronics with a property marking system like Smartwater to aid recovery if stolen again.
• Keep valuables out of sight from windows and doors.

Before we go

A break-in is stressful, but acting methodically makes the recovery process significantly smoother. Stay safe, call the police, document everything, contact your insurer quickly, and secure the property. Then use the experience to make your home harder to target in future.

Lemonade’s contents insurance covers theft and damage from burglary, and claims can be started directly through the app. Make sure your cover is in place before you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions