What happens if I'm burgled?
Being burgled is often a traumatic time for the person that it
happens to. It feels like an invasion of privacy to have complete
stranger(s) rifling through your belongings and taking whatever
they see fit as theirs.
Good security will reduce the chance of your home being burgled.
But in case the worst happens, think now about how you would deal
with the situation.
If you’re in the house and you hear a burglar, how you react
will be a personal choice and might depend on the situation – for
example, whether you’re alone or not.
You could make a noise and hope it scares the burglar off, or
you might prefer to keep quiet and hope the burglar doesn’t come
into the room you’re in.
Many people now have a phone in their bedroom. But even if you
do, take your mobile phone to bed with you. If someone breaks in,
you can use it to call the police even if they’ve disconnected your
normal phone.
If you get home and notice signs of a break in:
- Don’t go in or shout as the burglar could still be inside.
- Go to a neighbour’s to call the police – if
you think the burglar is still inside, let the police know;
and
- Don’t touch anything! You could destroy valuable
evidence.
What you should do if you are burgled
After being burgled you should:
- Phone the police immediately, and give them all of the
information you know regarding the crime.
- Identify what items have been stolen including make, model, and
serial number or other identifying marks and record these
details.
- Don’t touch anything! You could destroy valuable
evidence.
What will the police do?
As a force, Cheshire Police promise you that we will:
- Visit you as soon as possible.
- Listen and respond sympathetically.
- Conduct a thorough investigation taking all reasonable steps to
try and recover your property and arrest those responsible.
- Make house to house enquiries and warn neighbours that a
burglary has occurred in the area.
- Conduct a crime scene investigation, preserve and recover
evidence.
- Provide you with a crime reference number, a contact name and
telephone number.
- With your permission, conduct a Security Assessment of your
home and provide you with crime prevention advice which includes a
free property marking kit.
- Ensure that a referral is made to other appropriate agencies
where further support is needed.
- Provide you with a Victim of Crime leaflet and with your
consent, refer your case to Victim Support.