A robbery is a violation, and it’s not uncommon for you to feel traumatized. It’s important to both acknowledge and process your feelings. But in the aftermath of a robbery, you also must act. The steps you take can help you to recover your possessions, your safety and your peace of mind.Security Solutions Cape Town
Living through a robbery is tough. But with the right approach, you can move past the trauma and into a safer, more secure future.
Do this first
Signs of robbery are hard to ignore. Broken glass, scattered possessions, open windows and muddy footsteps all point to the presence of an intruder. Your first instinct may involve cleanup. You may rush into the area to see what’s left and what’s remaining. It’s an understandable response, but it’s not the right approach.
Experts suggest that you should leave the scene immediately and call the police from a safe spot, like your car.
When the police arrive, they will clear the area and tell you when it’s safe to enter. They may ask questions about when you think the incident happened, and you might be asked to describe big-ticket items you’re missing.
The police will file an official report of the burglary, and officers will give you a case number. Make sure you write that number down if it’s not printed on any paperwork they give you. You will need that number to complete other steps we’ll mention here.
Within 24 hours
- Call your insurance company before you take any steps to repair your property. Your policy could cover broken windows, smashed doors and other structural damage. If you rent, your landlord’s insurance company may get involved, so your first call should be to the number on your lease. Your insurance company will, in all likelihood, require the case number given to you by the police. That proves you called the authorities and that someone is looking for your missing items. Some insurance companies will send adjusters to your home to examine the damage. Others will ask you to provide photographs of the scene. Follow the instructions you’re given.
- You’ll need to make a list of everything stolen. If possible, grab receipts to prove how much you paid for the items you’re missing. If not, make accurate assessments of how long you’ve had each piece and how much it might be worth. Your insurance company may have a form for you to fill out. If your thieves took personal information, you could be at risk for identity or credit theft.
- Once you have the approval to do so, repair windows, doors and other broken points of entry. Plywood can be a good temporary solution for broken windows, but most doors will require substantial help. Hire a handyman to do that work for you if you don’t feel up to the task on your own. This step can help keep opportunists out of your home while you recover. In some cases, it can help to prevent additional damage. Rain flying through an open window, for example, could create more problems for you to fix.
- Contact your bank to report the theft, and be prepared to dispute any charges against your account. Your police report should include an approximation of the time of the crime, and that can help you fight back.
Within the week
Protect your home from future theft, and make sure you don’t become the victim of another crime. These should be your goals within the week after your burglary.
Criminals know that most homeowners have insurance, and they know that most people replace items that are taken. As a result, many crooks come back to the scene for a second attack when they think there will be new loot to steal.
Choosing the right security system takes time, and you may not be able to install a complete solution in a week. But you can take small steps to protect your home.
Within the month
The memories of your robbery may begin to fade, but you still have a few steps to take to ensure you’re as safe as you can be.
Investing in a robust security system is a smart next step. Considering that about two-thirds of thieves return to a prior robbery site to take more, those who don’t change a security approach are almost always destined for another hit.
Work with a reputable company to improve your security. Provide that company with copies of your robbery report, and show your installation team photos of the crime. They can help to pinpoint the vulnerabilities that led to the original issue, and they can find other spots that need extra protection.
Next, talk to your neighbours about your robbery. Research suggests that the two months after your crime are a point of increased risk for people who live about 600 feet from you. Make sure your neighbours take the same security precautions you take.
You may never regain all of the possessions you’ve lost, but with these steps, you may get back your peace of mind.
If you are keen to have Nzacksi Security securing your business or office or home, please contact us today and one of our advisors will be willing to help with your specific requirements. Your safety is our Priority.Click here to send us your Enquiry or to request a callback. Click here to send us your Enquiry or to request a callback.
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