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It’s every family’s nightmare. You return home to see your front door has been kicked in or a window smashed. You can barely process what’s happened, fretting about what’s missing and the harm done to your property. What can you do? Take a breath, stay calm, and follow our recommendations after a break-in at your Pittsburgh home.  

Once the dust settles, learn how to better prevent intrusions with a modern security system.

Initial Steps After A Burglary

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

• Stay outside. It’s only natural that you want to run inside to assess the situation. Don’t. There’s a possibility a burglar is still on site.
• Call the police immediately.  Keep yourself and others safely away and wait until help arrives. Work with the police to file a report. 
• Leave everything as is. Let the police secure the scene and collect evidence.  

What Do You Do Next?

You’ve spoken with the authorities, and your home is clear to re-enter. What should you do next? 

• Alert your bank and credit card companies . If a burglar snagged purses, wallets, or personal documents, you’ll want to notify your credit card issuers and banks right away. It’s a good idea to put a hold on accounts and your credit. You can also place a fraud alert with credit bureaus.
• Reach out to your insurance company. File a claim with your insurer. This should be done within a day of the burglary. 
• Record damage on camera. Document smashed windows, forced doors, and anything else that’s been damaged.
• Inventory stolen goods. Write down what’s gone and provide it to the police and your Insurer.
• Secure your property. Get your home secured by installing new locks, fixing windows and doors, and repairing other damage. If you use a digital lock, now is the time to update your access codes.

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

Evaluate And Upgrade Your Pittsburgh Home’s Security

How can you prevent this from occuring again? Your starting point should be to evaluate your home security. A modern system with these devices will work wonders in better protecting your home: 

• Video cameras: Just about all prowlers will think twice about breaking in when they notice security cameras. Newer exterior and doorbell cameras provide advanced functionality like smart detection. When there’s questionable activity, you’ll receive a notification. 
• Access-point sensors: All doors and windows (particularly those on the ground floor) should be protected by contact or glass-break sensors.
• Smart locks and lighting: These automated devices can be managed remotely. Concerned you didn’t secure your door? You can check and operate the lock from your smartphone. You can even have interior lights turn on if a camera detects suspicious activity.

If you are looking for a connected system that notifies you and monitoring agents any time a sensor or camera is triggered, consider a package from the home security leaders at ADT. You’ll benefit from mobile access, 24-hour monitoring, and custom automation.

Avoid Break-Ins With The Best Home Security In Pittsburgh

Stop break-ins from happening with an ADT home security package in Pittsburgh from Secure24 Alarm Systems. As your authorized ADT dealer, we install advanced equipment from the industry leader. Learn more about your options by dialing (412) 230-3668 or filling out our form today.