No one ever expects it to happen — you come home, and something feels off. A broken window, a door ajar, drawers pulled open. The shock of realizing your home has been broken into can be overwhelming. In moments like this, what you do next matters — both for your safety and for protecting your home in the future.
At Crime Prevention Security Systems, we’ve helped thousands of Florida homeowners restore their peace of mind after incidents like this. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.
1. Get to Safety and Call the Police
If you suspect someone has broken into your home, do not go inside. The intruder could still be there.
Instead, go to a safe location — a neighbor’s house or your car — and call 911 immediately. Wait for law enforcement to arrive and secure the property before re-entering.
Once officers are on scene, they’ll check for suspects, take statements, and file a report. Be sure to get a copy of that report; you’ll need it for insurance and follow-up security steps.
2. Avoid Touching Anything
As tempting as it may be to assess the damage, avoid touching or cleaning up until police have completed their work. Fingerprints, footprints, and displaced items are evidence that could help investigators.
Once cleared, you can begin taking inventory of what’s missing or damaged.
3. Document Everything for Insurance
Use your phone to take photos and videos of any damage, broken locks, and missing items.
Create a list that includes:
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Description of stolen or damaged property
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Estimated values
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Serial numbers (if known)
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Copies of receipts (if available)
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Having a home inventory beforehand can make this step much easier — something we always recommend to our customers.
4. Secure Your Home Immediately
Before nightfall, make temporary repairs to doors, locks, and windows. CPSS can help quickly restore your sense of security with:
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24/7 monitored security systems
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Video surveillance with real-time alerts
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AI Deterrence technology that speaks directly to intruders in real time
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Smart locks and lighting that make your home look occupied even when you’re away
If you already have a CPSS system, consider upgrading to include motion-triggered video, floodlight cameras, or glass-break sensors for added protection.
5. Learn from the Break-In
After the initial shock wears off, take time to understand how the intruder got in. Was it through an unlocked window? A weak door frame? A dark entryway with no visibility?
A professional security audit can identify vulnerabilities and help you design a stronger, smarter protection plan — customized for your home and lifestyle.
6. Reclaim Your Peace of Mind
A break-in doesn’t just affect your property; it affects your sense of safety. It’s okay to feel anxious or unsettled afterward. Consider talking to loved ones or a counselor, and take comfort in knowing that your next steps are proactive ones.
Every system we install at CPSS is designed to stop crime before it starts — giving you back the confidence that home should always bring.
Protect what matters most.
If you’ve recently experienced a break-in, or simply want to make sure it never happens again, call 800-949-1799. Our team will help you rebuild your safety — and your peace of mind — starting today.
