Coming home and discovering you’ve been robbed is an emotional event. And even though we at Affordable Lock wish no one ever has to experience this kind of violation, the unfortunate truth is North American homes are broken into every day. Learning what to do now should your home ever fall prey to thieves can be useful, as this knowledge may well become an anchor during a turbulent time. Follow these steps if your home should ever be robbed.
Call the Police
Don’t hesitate. Pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1. If you suspect the thief may still be on your property, do so from your car or a neighbour’s house. If you postpone making a call, the likelihood of the thief getting apprehended diminishes with each passing hour. If you happened to see the thief, be prepared to give a detailed description of the perpetrator. They’ll also likely want such details as how the thief entered and exited your home, and what the thief took. If the dispatcher has opened a file for your case, ask for the file number as you’ll need to give this to your insurance provider. While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, resist the temptation to touch anything. Evidence should be left as untainted as possible. And be sure to request a copy of the police report once they’re done. You’ll need it for your insurance claim.
Call Your Insurance Provider
It’s also important to call your insurance provider immediately. Give them the file number of the report you made with the police and let them know which items were stolen and/or damaged in your home. Receipts you have can be useful in proving your claim. You can also take pictures of any damages, or use old photos to substantiate certain claims.
Repair Damages that Impede Security
Broken windows or locks should be repaired as soon as possible. This is for your own piece of mind as much as to prevent the thief from re-entering your home. Board up windows until they can be replaced and, in the case of a broken lock, call us for quick locksmith services. If you live in Scarborough, Vaughan, North York, Markham or elsewhere just north of the GTA, we can be at your residence promptly. Regaining your sense of safety is a priority.
Improve Security
In the days following the event, you’ll likely want to review the security of your home. Replacing worn out locks on all windows and doors is a good start. You may also want to consider adding deterrents such as sensor lights, an alarm system and surveillance cameras. Trimming bushes and trees that thieves can use to their advantage—to hide behind or climb—is another possibility.
We Want to Help
At Affordable Lock, we provide prompt locksmith and key cutting services in Scarborough and elsewhere in the GTA. Keep our number handy for when you need us or call us today for a free quote on improved locks for your home.
Affordable Lock is a locksmith in Markham serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Aurora, North York, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Stouffville. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on looking after your commercial or residential locksmith needs. Affordable Lock’s showroom in Markham showcases a wide selection of keys, locks and an assortment of other security products for your home or business. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security, or solve security issues, Affordable Lock Services Inc. in Markham is here for you! Give us a call today.