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English After a burglary - the right steps in the right order
Burglary discovered: should you go inside?
No. If the door has been forced or you hear noises, do not go in, as the burglars could still be inside. Move to a safe place such as the stairwell, a neighbour's flat or the street, and call the police on 117.
Coming face to face with intruders can be dangerous, even if they usually want to get away. Let the police search the rooms. Only enter together with the officers once they have cleared the property.
If anyone is injured, also call an ambulance on 144. If you notice smoke or a smell of burning, call the fire brigade on 118.
The right steps after a burglary at a glance
After a burglary, a clear order helps you stay calm: safety first, then evidence, then insurance and securing the door. That way you avoid losing important evidence or making your insurance claim harder later on.
The list below sets out the right steps in the right order. Tick off what you have done or ask someone you trust to take notes, because it is easy to forget things when you are in shock.
- Stay outside and call the police on 117.
- Touch nothing and tidy nothing until the police have secured the evidence.
- Document the damage and the mess with photos and videos.
- Make a list of stolen and damaged items.
- Block bank cards, your mobile contract and online accounts if affected.
- Report the claim to your household contents insurer and send in the police report.
- Inform your property management or landlord and have the door secured temporarily.
- Replace the lock cylinder if keys are missing, then improve your burglary protection.
Not every step has to happen within the same hour. Safety, the police and blocking your cards do come first, though.
Why you should not touch anything
Do not touch doors, windows, drawers or scattered items until the police have secured the evidence. Fingerprints, shoe prints or tool marks on the lock can help identify the burglars or link the case to other break-ins.
However strong the urge, do not tidy up or close open cupboards. The police will record the scene and tell you when you can use the rooms normally again.
Once the forensic work is done, take your own photos: the forced door, the damaged lock, windows, ransacked rooms and the empty spots where valuables used to be. These pictures make the insurance claim and the repair quote much easier.
How do you list the stolen items?
Write down everything that is missing or damaged as early as possible, and keep adding to the list. The police need it for their investigation, your insurer for settling the claim.
It is common to notice that something is missing only days later. Note when you discovered it and pass any additions on to the police and your insurer.
- Description, brand and model of each item
- Serial numbers of laptops, phones, cameras or bikes, where available
- Approximate purchase date and, if known, the price paid
- Proof such as receipts, warranty cards or photos of the item
- A description of jewellery and keepsakes with any distinctive features
A photo inventory made before anything happens is extremely useful. Many insurers offer templates or apps for this.
Reporting a burglary: household insurance and police report
Report the burglary to your household contents insurance as soon as possible. In Switzerland this policy usually covers stolen and damaged belongings, provided theft is included in your cover.
Most insurers require the burglary to be reported to the police. Keep the confirmation or police report and quote its reference number in your claim. Attach your photos, the list of stolen items and any receipts you have.
Who pays for damage to the door depends on the situation. In a rented flat the door is usually the owner's responsibility and covered by their building insurance, but some household policies also cover break-in damage to the building for tenants. Check your policy and coordinate with your property management. Our guide Who pays the locksmith? explains more.
Damaged door or missing keys: how to secure your home
A forced door should be secured temporarily on the same day so your home is not left open. A locksmith can fit an emergency lock, such as a temporary lock or reinforcement, until the permanent repair is done.
If the burglars took keys, for example from a key hook or a bag, have the lock cylinder replaced. Otherwise someone could come back later without leaving a trace. A cylinder replacement is usually quick, while a damaged lock is replaced as part of a lock change.
In a rented flat, inform your property management or landlord right away. If the door is part of a master key system, the replacement cylinder usually has to be ordered through them. An emergency lock bridges the gap until then.
Cards, ID and accounts: what needs blocking?
Block stolen bank and credit cards immediately, ideally before you even call your insurer. You will find the blocking numbers on your bank's website or in its app.
Also think of things that are less obvious. Burglars sometimes take documents or devices that could later give them access to your accounts.
- Debit and credit cards, plus store cards with a payment function
- Your SIM card and mobile contract, blocked through your provider
- Passport and identity card, reported stolen together with the police
- Passwords for email, e-banking and online shops if devices are missing
- Car keys and garage remotes: have the affected locks checked
Take the emotional impact seriously and improve your protection
A burglary is more than material damage. Many people no longer feel safe in their own home, sleep badly or jump at every noise. This is a normal reaction, not a sign of weakness.
Talk about what happened with family or friends. If the anxiety lasts for weeks, your GP can help, and the police can point you to counselling services in your canton on request.
Practical measures also restore a sense of security. Many police forces offer security advice, and Swiss Crime Prevention (SCP) publishes helpful leaflets. A cylinder with drill and pull protection, a security escutcheon and secured windows are good places to start. Our guide Burglary protection for flats and houses shows what really works.
BLITZAUF24 is available around the clock, secures damaged doors temporarily and advises on mechanical burglary protection. We give you the price before work begins, check your right of access with an ID, and you can pay in cash, by card, with TWINT or by invoice.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
It is strongly recommended. The police secure evidence, record what happened and may link the case to other incidents. In addition, most household insurers require a police report before paying out for theft. Without one, you risk delays or disputes with your insurer. Check the exact conditions in your policy to be sure.
An attempted break-in should also be reported, as it helps the police spot series of incidents in the area. Photograph scratches and pry marks on the door or window. A damaged lock or a drilled cylinder often no longer protects reliably and should be replaced. If you rent, let your property management know.
That depends on the state of the door. If it no longer locks, it should be secured temporarily on the same day, for example with an emergency lock fitted by a locksmith. If you still feel uneasy, spending a night with family or friends is a sensible option until the lock and cylinder have been replaced.
Most policies require you to report a claim without delay, meaning as soon as reasonably possible. The exact deadlines and duties are set out in the general terms and conditions of your household insurance. It is best to report early, even if your list of stolen items is not yet complete. You can usually add to it later.
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