Tips for Coping After a Break-In

A home break in is one of the most unsettling experiences a person can go through. Beyond the loss of personal property, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed. While it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed after such an incident has occurred, there are some proactive steps that you can take to regain that sense of control and security you may have lost.

One of the first things to consider is calling for help when you need it. So let's take a look at these emotional and practical tips to help you to cope.

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• Put your safety first. Before you do anything, make sure that you and your family are safe. If you arrive home and suspect a break in has occurred, don't enter the house. Call the police immediately and wait for them in a safe location. If you're already inside, leave the house and call emergency services. Safety is the priority here, so don't touch anything until authorities have assessed the scene.
• Secure the house immediately. Once the police have filed a report and the investigation is complete, it's time to secure the home. Contact local locksmith services to repair or replace any damaged locks, doors or windows. Even if nothing looks broken, it's a good idea to change all the locks since keys may have been stolen. Many locksmiths also offer upgraded security options, so check those out first because they could help prevent future break ins.
• Take an inventory. Carefully go through your home and list anything that could have been stolen or damaged. You can then file an insurance claim with your home insurance specialist. Take photos if you can and save receipts for the high value items. It's a process that may take some time, but being thorough will help.
• Lean into your support system. Dealing with a robbery can take an emotional toll on you. It's normal to feel anxious, angry, or unsettled afterwards, so don't hesitate to lean on family, friends, or neighbors for support. If you're struggling with an ongoing fear or trauma of it happening again, consider speaking with a counsellor or a therapist.
• Upgrade your home security. Once you've recovered from the shock, take some time to look at your current home security. Are your doors and windows reinforced? Do you have a security system? Modern systems with motion detectors, alarms and real time alerts can act as both a deterrent and a safeguard. Many locksmith services offer consultations to assess your home security.
• Reclaim the space as yours. Finally, reclaim your home emotionally, rearrange the furniture, repaint the walls, or add new decor to shift their energy and make the space feel safe and yours again. Even the small changes can restore that sense of comfort and control that you may have lost.
• Read your Bible and pray. There are enough “do not fear” statements in the Bible to have one for each day for a reason. God doesn't want you to fear. Trust in Him.

A break in can be traumatic, but it's one thing you can recover from with time, support and proactive action. From calling trusted services to upgrading your security, every step brings you closer to feeling safe and at peace again. 

This is a contributed post.

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