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It’s every family’s nightmare. You pull in the driveway to see your front door is wide open or a window broken. You can barely process what’s happened, worrying about what’s been stolen and the damage to your property. What can you do? Remain calm, take a deep breath, and follow our recommendations after a break-in at your Stockton home.  

When things get back to normal, see how to better prevent burglaries with an advanced security system.

Initial Steps After A Break-In

Discovering your house has been broken into is traumatizing. You could be frightened, furious, or simply in disbelief. Whatever the case, it’s important to respond rationally by doing the following: 

• Don’t go inside. It may be tempting to rush inside to assess the situation. Don’t. There’s a possibility an intruder is still there.
• Call the police at once.  Keep yourself and family members at a safe distance and hold tight until help get there. Work with the police to make an official report. 
• Leave everything as is. Let officers take charge and gather evidence.  

What Do You Do Next?

You’ve filed a report with the police, and it’s safe to go back inside. What should you do next? 

• Cancel credit cards and notify your bank . If a thief snagged purses, wallets, or personal records, you must notify your credit card companies and banks immediately. It’s smart to put a hold on accounts and your credit. You might also request a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus.
• Reach out to your insurer. Start the claims process with your insurance company. This should be done within 24 hours of the break-in. 
• Record damage on camera. Document smashed windows, forced doors, and anything else that’s been damaged.
• Document what is missing. Make a list of what’s been stolen and provide it to the authorities and your insurance company.
• Secure your house. Get your home secured by switching out locks, fixing windows and doors, and repairing other damage. If you use a keypad lock system, now is the time to update your access codes.

Cleaning up will bring you some peace and make things feel normal. After you’re done, it’s time to start thinking improving your home security.

Evaluate And Upgrade Your Stockton Home’s Security

How can you keep this from occuring again? Your first step should be to evaluate your home’s security. An advanced system with the following equipment will work wonders in better protecting your home: 

• Security cameras: Almost every trespasser will hesitate when they observe security cameras. Modern exterior and doorbell cameras give you advanced features like AI-powered smart detection. When there’s suspicious activity, you’ll receive an alert. 
• Access-point sensors: All doors and windows (particularly those on the lower level) should be protected by contact or glass-break sensors.
• Smart locks and lighting: These automated tools can be managed remotely. Concerned you neglected to lock your door? You can verify and activate the lock right from your phone. You can even have interior lights turn on if a camera discovers suspicious activity.

If you are searching for an integrated system that alerts you and monitoring agents any time a device is tripped, get a package from the home security leaders at ADT. You’ll enjoy the mobile access, round-the-clock monitoring, and custom automation.

Avoid Break-Ins With The Best Home Security In Stockton

Stop burglaries at your property with an ADT home security system in Stockton from Secure24 Alarm Systems. As your trusted ADT dealer, we install advanced equipment from the industry leader. Learn more about your options by calling (209) 226-4846 or submitting our form today.