Home break-in suspected: what to do?

Discovering that your home may have been broken into is frightening. Your priority is to protect yourself and others, not to protect property. This guide explains what to do in the first few minutes and how to stay safe until help arrives.

If you are outside and suspect a break-in

Do not enter your home. Move to a safe distance, such as a neighbor's house or your car, and call your local emergency number. Tell the dispatcher what you observed (for example, a broken window, an open door, or unfamiliar noises) and your exact address. Stay on the line until you are told it is safe to hang up. Do not approach anyone leaving the property.

If you are inside and hear or see an intruder

Your best option is to escape if you can do so without crossing paths with the intruder. Use a door or window away from the intruder and go to a safe place. Once outside, call emergency services. If escape is not possible, hide in a room you can lock, such as a bedroom or bathroom. Stay quiet, silence your phone, and call emergency services. If you cannot speak, use text-to-911 if your area supports it, or make a noise that the dispatcher can interpret. Do not confront the intruder or try to protect belongings.

If you come home to signs of a break-in but see no one

Do not go inside. The intruder may still be there. Call emergency services from a safe location and wait for police to arrive. They will check the property and tell you when it is safe to enter.

What not to do

• Do not enter your home if you suspect someone is inside.
• Do not confront or chase an intruder.
• Do not touch anything that might be evidence, such as broken glass or items the intruder may have touched.
• Do not post about the break-in on social media while the situation is ongoing.

When to call for help

Call emergency services immediately if you see or hear an intruder, if anyone is injured, or if you are in immediate danger. If you are unsure whether a crime has occurred, call the non-emergency police line for advice. Never put yourself at risk to check.

After the police arrive

Follow their instructions. Provide any information you have, such as descriptions or vehicle details. Do not clean up or repair damage until police have finished their investigation. If you need support, ask the police about victim services or contact a local support organization.

Preventing future break-ins

Once the immediate crisis is over, consider simple security measures: lock doors and windows, use exterior lighting, and keep valuables out of sight. A home security assessment from local police may be available. These steps can reduce risk but cannot guarantee safety.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.