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It’s every resident’s nightmare. You arrive home and find your door has been forced open or a window smashed. You can’t think straight, stressing about what’s been taken and the damage to your house. What will you do? Stay calm, take a breath, and follow these steps after a break-in at your Harrisburg home.  

Once the dust settles, learn how to better prevent break-ins with the latest home security system.

First Steps After A Break-In

Seeing your house broken into is unsettling. You could be shaken, angry, or simply in disbelief. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s essential to stay level-headed by doing the following: 

• Don’t go inside. It’s not surprising that you want to run inside to assess the situation. Don’t. There’s a chance a burglar is still inside.
• Call the police right away.  Keep yourself and others safely away and wait for emergency services. Work with law enforcement to make an official report. 
• Don’t touch a thing. Let the police secure the premises and do their job.  

What Are The Next Steps?

You’ve completed a report with law enforcement, and your home is clear to re-enter. What should you do next? 

• Cancel credit cards and alert your bank . If a burglar stole purses, wallets, or personal documents, you’ll wish to contact your credit card companies and banks at once. It’s wise to lock accounts and your credit. You might also place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus.
• Contact your insurer. Initiate a claim with your insurance provider. You should do so within 24 hours of the break-in. 
• Record damage on camera. Document shattered windows, forced doors, and all other obvious damage.
• Document what is missing. Create a record of what’s been stolen and provide it to the authorities and your Insurer.
• Secure your property. Make your home safe again by installing new locks, fixing doors and windows, and taking care of other damage. If you utilize a keypad lock system, now is the time to update your access codes.

Tidying up will bring you some peace and make things feel normal. After you do so, it’s time to start thinking enhancing your home security.

Evaluate And Upgrade The Security At Your Harrisburg Home

How can you keep this from happening again? Your starting point should be to take stock of your home security. An advanced system with these tools will go a long way to keeping your home safe: 

• Surveillance cameras: Nearly every trespasser will reconsider their plans when they see video cameras. Modern exterior and doorbell cameras provide advanced functionality like smart detection. When there’s questionable activity, you’ll receive an alert. 
• Access-point sensors: All doors and windows (particularly those on the lower level) should be safeguarded by glass-break or contact sensors.
• Smart lights and locks: These automated tools can be controlled from anywhere. Are you worried you didn’t lock your door? You can verify and engage the lock right from your mobile device. You can even have interior lights switch on if a camera discovers an unwanted guest.

If you want a connected system that alerts you and monitoring representatives whenever a camera or sensor is tripped, look into a package from the home security specialists at ADT. You’ll appreciate the smartphone access, 24/7 monitoring, and convenient automation.

Avoid Break-Ins With The Leading Home Security Systems In Harrisburg

Stop intrusions before they happen with an ADT home security package in Harrisburg from Secure24 Alarm Systems. As your authorized ADT dealer, we install advanced equipment from the most respected name in the business. Learn more about your options by dialing (717) 256-1545 or filling out our form today.