3 Nightmare Scenarios and Their Solutions
Sometimes, even with our best efforts, security breaches happen. When the worst happens, there are still steps we can all take to help return our lives to a more secure state.
Help! My Home Has Been Burglarized!
Coming home to discover a door ajar or a window broken and finding the telltale signs of a burglary can make anyone feel deeply violated. If you discover such a situation, take the following steps:
- Do not touch anything. If you touch or move things you can disturb evidence and make it harder for the police to investigate the crime.
- Call 911, ideally from outside of your home.
- After the crime has been investigated, reinforce your security infrastructure. Change the locks on the house and install a security system. Security cameras can also be a good call.
- One way to throw criminals off your trail is to break up your routines. Put your lights on timers to make it appear like someone is home; come in and out at odd intervals. Never leave answering machine messages that indicate you are away long-term.
Help! My Car Has Been Stolen!
One terrible day you go outside discover that your car has been stolen. Now you’re stranded and upset. Still, there are steps you can take to make yourself feel secure again. After discovering your car has been stolen:
- Report the theft to the police and to your insurance. The police will also ask about any other property that may have been in your car.
- If your car is leased or financed, contact the companies involved in that financing.
- When your car is recovered or you have a new car, make sure to always have the keys on your person.
- Make sure your car is alarmed and that the alarm is turned on.
- Never leave any type of personal identification or credit cards in your car.
- Park your car in high traffic areas.
- Install a tracking device in your car. This can allow the police to easily locate your vehicle in the event of a theft.
Help! My Business Has Been Broken Into!
One day you arrive at your office or place of business to find that it has been burglarized. Upon making such a discovery, take the following steps to help ensure your safety:
- Report the theft to the police. Do not touch anything in your business or attempt to straighten up, as this will disturb evidence.
- After investigation, determine whether any identifying documents, such as tax information or money have been stolen.
- Install a security system, including security cameras.
- Acquire a safe. Keep all important documents and money locked in the safe. Choose a heavy safe that weighs too much to be easily moved. Alternatively, keep important documents in a safe deposit box at the bank.
It can be hard to feel safe after a major theft, but there are steps we can all take to prevent further intrusions. Take steps to secure your home, car, or business before a crime happens and rest assured that you know what to do in the event of an emergency.