How to Report a Burglary in Your Home or Business

Burglary, or breaking and entering, is a felony. If you come home to your house or enter your store or business after a burglary, follow the steps below to report the burglary to the police.

Instructions

1. Leave the premises as soon as you realize a burglary has been committed--you don't want to risk walking in on a burglar. Go to a neighbor's, your car, or other safe area. Do not try to stop or catch the burglar. He might be armed or violent.

2. Dial 911 to report the burglary and don't return to your home or business until the police arrive. Be careful not to touch anything--the investigators need to have the crime scene just as you found it.

3. Remember everything you can about the way the place looked when you arrived and what time it was. Make notes. If you saw the burglar, try to remember every detail you can about his appearance and whether he drove away, and if so, what kind of vehicle.

4. Give as much information to the police as you can once they've checked the premises for intruders. The more detailed your information, the better chance they'll have of apprehending a suspect.

5. Consult Crime Victim Services on the Office for Victims of Crime Web site (see Resources below). This directory is searchable by service needed, location and type of victimization.

6. Take precautions to prevent a burglary from recurring. Check that your locks are strong, your windows are secure and install a security system. The Burglary Prevention Council Web site has more tips (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with the arriving police officer about how to protect your home from any future burglary attempts. If the officer is not well versed on how to protect your home, ask for a referral. Most police departments have officers who specialize in educating the public about crime prevention.

• If you encounter a burglar, you can protect yourself, your family and your property using reasonable force. States have different laws regarding the use of deadly force against intruders, though deadly force is universally condoned in cases of true self-defense.