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The severe violation of privacy from a home burglary can be debilitating. Human error, system failure, or a series of perfectly timed conditions can allow a burglar to successfully break into a home and steal your valuables. When this happens, one thing you can do is to be the best possible witness to help law enforcement do their job.
When you are planning your home security system, a provider such as www.SecurityCompanies.com can connect you with professional companies to work with. Don't skimp on your security system. The weakest link in your system will be capitalized on by a thief. Failing to put sensors on second story windows, and not having a way to trigger the alarm from multiple rooms, are two ways you can leave yourself and your home vulnerable.
Coming Home to a Break In
If you come home to find that your house has been broken into, do not touch anything. The crime has already been committed and it is now up to law enforcement to find the thief and your belongings. Emotions like fear and anger can come up, and it's tempting to walk through the house, moving things as you go. The less you disturb the crime scene, the more clues the police will have.
If you come home and find a door open or window smashed, your should first think if someone is still in the house. Most burglars will be in the house no longer than 10 minutes. If you suspect someone may still be in the house, don't hesitate to call 911. If it's obvious the thief is gone, then you can begin your job as the observer.
Walk through the house, but do not touch anything or step on anything left on the floor. Notice anything out-of-place, broken or missing. Burglars don't tidy up when they're done. So, if they rummage through closets or drawers, they will be left open and obviously disturbed.
The more information you can give police about what has been disturbed, the more effective they will be describing the thief's actions while in your house. This can give them a clue as to who may have committed the crime, as thieves develop habits they repeat at subsequent break-ins.
Coming Home to a Burglar
What do you do when you come home, walk through the front door, and find someone stealing your TV? Don't panic, insists the German Village Gazette. The best action is to be calm and leave the home immediately. You do not want to put yourself between the burglar and the nearest exit, putting yourself at risk.
A thief who appears unarmed may have a gun or knife in his pocket or waistband. Engaging the burglar is very risky for that reason. Your goal should be to give the police an accurate description of the thief.
Observe these things about the burglar to be able to give a good description later:
Height of the person
Facial features, such as mustache, beard, tattoo, glasses
Color and style of hair
Scars, jewelry, other tattoos on the body
Clothes they are wearing
Shoe color and type
Any smells you noticed around the person
Your first priority is your own safety and the safety of your family. Most burglars will run once spotted, but some could become confrontational and perhaps violent. Get as much information as you can to report to officials, but don't put yourself at risk.
What tips do you have for home break-in's? Share them in the comments.