How to Avoid Getting Robbed … Again

Did you know that your chances of being robbed are higher if you’ve already been robbed? Here’s why and what to do about it… 

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. Unfortunately, the same rule does not apply to the crime. Criminals often strike the same target again. For some victims of home break-ins, it can happen within months or even within days.

It’s called repeat victimization. When interviewed by police, some home intruders have provided information about what they look for in choosing a house to break into. Opportunity is top of the list. They might choose a quick return to grab something valuable they spotted on their first visit but were perhaps disturbed or weren’t able to carry it. Or they might wait until valuable items have been replaced by the victim’s insurance company before breaking in again. So, what can you do?

Safety first

About 10 percent of burglaries involve a victim encounter with the perpetrator which adds to the trauma. But even without coming face-to-face with the criminal, you will be feeling vulnerable and violated in the aftermath of having your home burgled. It might seem like a cliché, but the most important thing is to look after yourself and the other residents in your home — mentally as well as physically. Children are often traumatized by the experience and the reaction of adults to the event will have a significant bearing on how they cope. Visit Security Doors Melbourne for more information.

Call 000 first, and if everyone is physically well, ask for the police. If anyone has sustained an injury or is in shock, ask for an ambulance as well. You can help the police by making a note of the time or the dates if you have been away, a list of any items you know are missing. A surprising number of break-ins or attempted break-ins are not reported because nothing was stolen, or the items taken were not of great value and the victim thinks nothing can be done. Reporting the crime helps police to form a complete picture of crime in your neighborhood and plan patrols accordingly. It may also help them link your break-in to another crime, which could lead to an arrest. Knowing a perpetrator has been charged does not erase the crime but often brings a sense of relief.

After talking to the police, call your insurance company as soon as you can. Their staff will be experts in helping people after a break-in.

What are your plans?

You need to make two plans at this stage:

• Clean-up and repair damage; and
• Prevent another break-in with long-term safety and security.

Clean-up and repair

Your insurance company will have clear advice about what to do immediately after a break-in, whether you own your home or are renting. Depending on your policy, they may be able to replace stolen items, reimburse the value of heirlooms and cover the cost of repairing property damage or vandalism. They should also help you immediately deal with any damage that makes your home unsafe, such as a broken door or window. You might need to find alternative accommodation while your home is made safe.

Cleaning up after a break-in often means sorting through personal belongings that might have been strewn around the house. It is a painstaking and disheartening task. However, it is not unusual to find items of value that you thought were stolen but had in fact been missed by the thieves in their mess and haste. Hold fast to any positives you can. Let the police know of any items that are no longer missing.

Prevent another incident

While in the house, burglars will have looked for any easy access points and made a mental note of valuables they might be interested in for a repeated robbery. Repeated crimes often (but not always) happen at the same time of day, using the same point of entry that was successful on the initial break-in.

Doors and windows: Don’t just repair any damage to the entry point thieves used. You need to strengthen your home’s defenses, look at other possible entries around your home and fortify your home with a security door Melbourne. The experts at Jim’s Security Doors are practiced at helping people who have experienced the trauma of a break-in and can give advice about your home’s vulnerable points. Jim’s Security Doors can be at your home quickly for a free measure and quote. Doors are made to fit and Jim’s Security Doors can look after the installation, servicing, and repairs for your doors and screens, even during lockdowns or restrictions during the pandemic.

Installing security doors as quickly as possible after a break-in will provide a visual deterrent to returning thieves, sending a message that your home’s defenses have been strengthened. Consider screens with grilles for larger windows and screens with security mesh for smaller windows. PerfGuard Security Door is a top seller, popular for its combination of strength and unobstructed visual access. ScreenGuard is another popular and reliable choice, offering 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh that meets Australian Standards for strength and corrosion resistance. All external doors should be of solid construction and preferably have a solid core. A feature door with glass panels should definitely be covered by a security door. Jim’s Security Doors can fit cast aluminum grilles styled to suit your home. Check there is no rotting in the timber and near the hinges.

Fences: You might have an urge to make your home into a fortress after a break-in but remember your front fence should not provide an opportunity for offenders to hide. Consider a steel or aluminum gate for your entry or driveway. Jim’s Security Doors can install lockable custom-designed swing or sliding gates in steel or aluminum to protect your home and vehicles. If updating gates, check building regulations that deal with the height of new fencing and check with neighbors. It’s a good idea to keep any new fencing in line with the style and height of other fences in the street.

Around the house: Check that your garden’s trees and shrubs are not also providing a chance for thieves to hide from street view. Keep your garden tidy and lawns mowed to help the house looked lived in which is a deterrent for thieves. Garden tools should be put away with all other tools in a locked shed so they cannot be stolen or used to force entry.

Is your house number clear enough to be easily seen from the street at night or in bad weather? This will help emergency services to locate your home. Must visit Property Conveyancing Brisbane and Property Conveyancing Melbourne for the best lawyers and solicitors they will guide you for everything you need.

Sensor security: Having a security system installed with an alarm is a very effective deterrent for thieves who might be planning a return visit to your home. New, clearly displayed signs that your home is now fitted with a security alarm will make offenders think twice. If they still attempt another break-in, the audible alarm will ensure it’s a quick visit, minimizing the number of valuables they will take with them. Sensor lights are another way to give intruders a sense that someone is home. They also don’t like to be seen and a well-placed sensor light will make sure they can be seen.

Taking these steps not only gives you a more secure home that is less enticing for thieves, it is also a good way to reclaim your home and improve your sense of safety after a break-in. Recovering from a break-in takes time and the signs of post-traumatic stress might not be obvious at first. It’s a good idea to seek counseling after the incident and support any children as they try to make sense of what has happened.