✅ Interactive Checklist
After Break-In Action Checklist
Step-by-step guide to what to do immediately after your home has been broken into
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A break-in is traumatic. Knowing exactly what to do in the hours and days after helps you protect your claim, your evidence and your security. Work through this checklist while everything is fresh.
Emergency? If you suspect an intruder is still inside — do NOT enter. Call 000 immediately and wait safely outside.
Non-urgent police: 131 444 · Insurance: check your policy card for 24/7 claims line.
Non-urgent police: 131 444 · Insurance: check your policy card for 24/7 claims line.
After Break-In Action Checklist
Work through each step — do not skip ahead. Your safety and claim come first.
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🎉 All Steps Complete
You've worked through every step. Well done — your property is secured and your claim is underway. Consider booking a full security assessment to prevent recurrence.
Key Contacts
Emergency: 000
Police (non-urgent): 131 444
Emergency locksmith: Save your locksmith's number below
Insurance claims: Check your policy card for 24/7 line
🚨 Immediate (Do This Now)
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Do NOT enter property if you suspect intruder still inside
Call 000 from a safe location. Wait for police to clear the property before entering. Your safety is the absolute priority.
Call police (000 if immediate threat, 131 444 otherwise)
You must report the break-in to police to get an event number — this is required for your insurance claim. Write down the event number when provided.
Do not touch or move anything (preserve evidence)
Resist the urge to tidy up. Police forensics need the scene intact. Do not move broken glass, forced doors, or disturbed items until police have attended.
Photograph all points of entry and damage
Document every broken lock, smashed window, and forced door with photos. Wide shots and close-ups. These photos support your insurance claim significantly.
Call your insurance company to lodge claim
Call your insurer's 24/7 claims line as soon as safe to do so. Most policies require notification within 24 hours of discovering a break-in.
⏰ Within 24 Hours
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Emergency locksmith called to secure all entry points
A licensed emergency locksmith can re-secure damaged locks, board up forced entries, and make your property safe again within hours. Many operate 24/7.
All compromised locks replaced (not just rekeyed)
Locks that have been forced, damaged, or bypassed must be replaced — not just rekeyed. Damaged lock bodies may not engage correctly even after rekeying.
Temporary boarding of broken windows/doors
If glass or doors are broken, board up with plywood until permanent repairs can be arranged. A builder or locksmith can assist with emergency boarding.
Serial numbers of stolen items documented for police
Check your email receipts, warranty cards, and manuals for serial numbers of stolen electronics and appliances. Police use these for recovery and your insurer needs them for claims.
Neighbours asked if they saw anything (witness statements)
Neighbours may have seen a vehicle, person, or timeframe. Ask before memories fade. Ask police if you should direct neighbours to make a formal statement.
📅 Within 1 Week
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Insurance assessor visit scheduled
Your insurer will send an assessor to evaluate the damage. Keep the scene as intact as possible until after their visit — except for emergency security work.
Security assessment booked with locksmith
A professional security assessment identifies all vulnerabilities that led to or enabled the break-in. This helps you upgrade strategically rather than reactively.
All lock keys changed across property
Even if a key wasn't the entry point, the intruder may have taken keys to return later. Replace all locks and issue a new controlled set of keys.
Alarm system assessed and upgraded if needed
If you had an alarm that was bypassed or circumvented, have a security professional review why and what upgrades would prevent recurrence.
Police event number obtained for insurance
The police event number (also called a report number) is required by virtually all home insurers to process a break-in claim. Follow up with police if not provided.
🛡️ Prevention Upgrades
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Security grade of all locks reviewed and upgraded
Upgrade all external doors to Grade 1 deadbolts if not already installed. Grade 1 locks withstand significantly more force than standard deadbolts.
Security cameras installed at entry points
CCTV cameras at front door, back door, and driveway provide both deterrence and evidence. Modern IP cameras with cloud storage are cost-effective and reliable.
Sensor lighting added at all entry/exit points
Motion-activated lighting at all entry points is one of the most cost-effective deterrents available. Illuminated properties are far less likely to be targeted.
Security screen doors fitted where absent
Security screen doors add a secondary physical barrier even when main doors are open. They meet Australian Standards AS 5039 and are a significant upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Leave everything untouched until police have attended and documented the scene. This preserves evidence and protects your insurance claim.
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