What to do after a home break-in

What to do immediately after a house burglary

The first hour after a burglary can feel like a blur. There’s confusion, frustration, and sometimes disbelief. But this is the time when calm, clear decisions matter most. Think of these next few actions as your foundation for recovery — simple steps to help you take control again and start restoring order.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through what to do first: making sure it’s safe to enter, calling the police, securing your home, and notifying the right people. Each step is practical, proven, and focused on helping you feel safe as quickly as possible.

1. Make sure you’re safe before anything else

Before you worry about what’s gone or damaged, take a moment to focus on safety. A home invasion can leave anyone rattled, and the first instinct is often to rush inside. Pause, breathe, and look carefully. Trust your gut — if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Safety checklist:

• If you think an intruder or burglar is still nearby, stay outside and contact the police straight away.
• Do not go in if someone may still be inside your home. Wait where you can see the property but remain out of danger.
• If you are alone, wait in your car or call a neighbour to keep you company until officers arrive.
• Once it is safe to enter your home, take a quick look without crossing the threshold. Note broken windows, open doors, or anything that looks out of place.
• Try not to touch anything inside. Avoid handling, touching, or moving anything until police have checked the area.
• It’s completely normal if you feel anxious or shaky. The goal is to stay calm, stay safe, and let help come to you.

These few minutes of patience can make a big difference to both your safety and the police investigation.

2. Call the police straight away

Once you’re certain the area is safe, it’s time to call the police. They need to be your first contact before you touch anything or try to tidy up. Officers are trained to handle situations like this and will guide you through exactly what to do after a burglary into your house. Stay calm, keep your distance, and wait for them to arrive.

What to do and expect:

• Call triple zero (000) if you believe the intruder might still be nearby. For non-urgent cases, you can contact the police assistance line (131 444).
• When the police arrive, give them a clear rundown of what you’ve seen, including any damage or missing items.
• Officers will investigate the crime and may take photos, gather fingerprints, or secure the scene for forensics.
• Police may ask if you’ve moved or handled anything. If you haven’t, that helps preserve evidence.
• Once the area has been reported to police and cleared, they’ll let you know when it’s safe to go back inside.
• Ask for the event or police report number and keep a copy of the report for your insurance company.
• If you’re worried about repeat attempts, mention it — sometimes police have attended patrols in similar cases, and they can note your property for extra attention.
• Remember, small details can help police solve the case faster, so share anything unusual, even if it seems minor.

Knowing what to do after a burglary gives officers the best chance to collect evidence and protect your home from further risk.

3. Contact a licensed locksmith to secure your home after an invasion

Once the police have cleared the scene, it’s time to move from shock to action. Calling a licensed locksmith is the first real step toward taking control again. This is where you start to secure your home, repair damage, and restore that sense of safety that was shaken by the break-in.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Wait for police clearance. Don’t start repairs or touch doors and locks until the investigation is complete. Officers need to record any signs of forced entry first.
2. Call a trusted locksmith. Ask for emergency rekeying or lock replacement to make the property safe before nightfall. If a door or window is damaged, request a temporary board-up or full replacement.
3. Document the repairs. Take photos of any broken locks, damaged doors and windows, or other parts of the home broken into during the burglary. Keep these photos and your locksmith’s invoice for your insurance claim.
4. Review your security measures. Ask the locksmith about ways to improve safety long-term, like stronger deadbolts or smart entry systems. Investing in small upgrades now can make yours the best home on the street for deterrence.

At Tas Mobile Locksmith, we’ve spent more than 35 years helping Tasmanians get back on their feet after incidents like this. Our accredited Master Locksmiths offer same-day service with a fully mobile fleet.

4. Notify neighbours and close contacts about your home burglary

Once the scene is secure, reach out to the people around you. Sharing what happened helps the community help protect each other, and it may even assist the police in finding footage or information. In small towns and tight neighbourhoods, a quick chat can go a long way. It’s also normal to feel shaken after a burglary, and staying connected with others can help steady you.

Who to contact and why:

• Neighbours: They might have security camera footage or have noticed something suspicious.
• Friends or family: It can help to talk to a trusted friend, especially while emotions are still running high.
• Landlord or property manager: If you rent, they’ll need to know about the incident and arrange for any property repairs.
• Support network: Speaking with people who care about you can help you process what’s happened and remind you that you’re not alone.

Looking out for one another keeps your street safer and makes recovery a shared effort, not something you face on your own.

What to do in the days after a break-in?

The first day or two after a burglary can feel oddly quiet. The shock fades, and the real work begins: cleaning up, making calls, and figuring out what needs fixing. This is the time to slow things down and start rebuilding your sense of safety, one task at a time.

To make it easier, think of this next part as your personal checklist for getting life back on track. It covers the steps to help you sort out insurance, handle repairs, and strengthen your home’s defences. These aren’t just chores; they’re small wins that put you back in control. And each one moves you closer to feeling settled again.

1. Start your home insurance claim early

Once the police have finished their report, it’s time to begin the paperwork side of recovery. Acting quickly keeps things simple and helps your insurance company process your insurance claim faster. The first 24 to 48 hours matter most, because that’s when your memory is clear, evidence is fresh, and insurers can move fast on repairs or replacements.

How to get started:

1. Contact your insurer and make a claim as soon as possible. Have your police event number ready and a copy of the report on hand.
2. Gather your evidence. Take clear photos of damage, list missing items, and attach receipts, serial numbers, or any proof of ownership you have.
3. Check your insurance policy or your product disclosure statement to see what’s covered. Some home and contents insurance policies also include short-term accommodation or repair costs.
4. Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurer confirms it’s okay. Keep them aside in case they need inspection.
5. Track every phone call, email, and form you send. What you can claim may depend on your policy, so keep all documents in one secure folder (digital or paper) for easy reference.

2. Protect yourself from identity theft

When a burglary involves stolen mail, passports, or bank cards, it’s not just about replacing items — it’s about protecting your personal information. Identity theft can happen quietly after a break-in, so take a few practical steps now to secure your accounts and stop further trouble before it starts.

What to do next:

• Contact your bank and credit card providers immediately. Ask them to freeze or monitor accounts for unusual activity.
• Change your passwords and notify your bank if any digital access, cards, or documents were taken.
• Reach out to Service Tasmania or IDCARE for professional guidance on protecting your ID.
• Let your mobile phone carrier know if a device or SIM card was stolen so they can block unauthorised use.

These small actions close off easy targets for thieves and help protect your privacy while you focus on getting back on your feet.

3. Clean up safely and carefully

When the police have finished their work, you can start putting things back together. Move slowly, protect yourself, and document everything before you begin.

How to handle the cleanup:

• Take photos of any damage caused before touching a thing. Capture broken glass, splintered frames, and damaged locks so your insurer can see what happened.
• Look carefully through the mess for anything valuable that may still be there. Thieves often overlook small items or stash them nearby.
• As you go, make notes about stolen items and missing items, including descriptions, models, or serial numbers. This will help police and insurers match evidence later.
• Wear gloves and closed shoes while you clean, and use disinfectant on surfaces that may have been handled.
• Once you’ve logged everything, start to recover your possessions and restore your space little by little.

The process can feel heavy at first, but each task brings you one step closer to feeling comfortable in your home again.

4. Reassess and upgrade your home security systems

Once repairs are underway, it’s time to think ahead. A burglary often exposes weak spots that went unnoticed for years, and this is your chance to fix them properly. Treat it as an opportunity for making your home safer, stronger, and better prepared to prevent future break-ins. A professional locksmith can help identify risks and suggest upgrades that match your lifestyle and budget.

Upgrades worth considering:

1. Book a security check: Ask for a full inspection of locks, doors, windows, and other key entry points to see where your defences can be improved.
2. Replace outdated hardware: Swap worn bolts and latches for modern security devices designed to resist force and tampering.
3. Add digital protection: Look at installing a home security system that includes motion lights, security cameras, and remote monitoring options.
4. Upgrade to smarter locking: Smart locks and restricted key systems let you control access and track use — ideal for busy households or shared spaces.
5. Consider layered protection: Combine physical locks with home alarm systems for an extra safeguard when you’re away.
6. Ask for professional help: Tas Mobile Locksmith offers same-day rekeying, master key systems, and smart access solutions tailored to Tasmanian homes.

5. Look after yourself and your family

After a burglary, the hardest part often begins once the door is fixed and the lights are back on. Restoring your sense of security takes time, and that’s perfectly normal. Emotional recovery is just as important as replacing locks or filing claims. Give yourself permission to slow down and lean on others while things settle.

Ways to care for yourself and your family:

• Talk openly about how everyone is feeling, especially if children are involved.
• Spend time in parts of the home that still feel comfortable while you rebuild confidence.
• Stay with friends, family, or short-term accommodation if the space still feels uneasy.
• Keep connecting with neighbours and community groups — familiar faces help rebuild trust.
• Reach out for support if you’re struggling. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue are always available for a free, confidential chat.

Let Tasmanian Mobile Locksmith's team sort out your new security

After a home burglary, the best thing you can do is hand the hard work to someone who’s done it a thousand times before. Tas Mobile Locksmith has been helping Tasmanians secure their homes since 1989. Our team is licensed, accredited, and trusted across Southern Tasmania for fast, professional help when you need it most.

Why locals call us first:

• Accredited Master Locksmiths: Every technician meets strict MLAA standards for safety, reliability, and technical skill.
• Fully mobile service: Our vans arrive equipped to rekey, repair, or replace doors and locks on the spot, saving time and keeping you safe.
• Emergency expertise: We prioritise break-in repairs with same-day response, ensuring your home is secure before nightfall.
• More than 35 years of experience: Generations of Tasmanians trust us to protect their homes with professionalism and care.
• Quality guaranteed: We only use tested, high-security hardware that strengthens your home for the long term.
• Flexible payment options: Afterpay and Zip Pay available to ease financial pressure during recovery.
• Friendly, human service: We show up calm, explain your options clearly, and stay until everything’s properly fixed.

If you’re not sure which steps to take next, start here. Our licensed team will assess damage, recommend upgrades, and guide you through a smooth recovery.

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