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Residential Burglary What to do if you are victimized Returning home to a burglarized residence is a fear many homeowners and renters endure. Victims often feel violated and insecure in their own homes. While the feeling of unease eventually subsides, it takes time. Unfortunately, statistics show a dramatic rise in residential burglary. In today’s economy, homeowners need to take extra precautions to secure their residence. If you are victimized, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure your safety and that of your family. If you arrive home to fi nd your residence has been burglarized, immediately leave and call 911. While it is tempting to enter and see the damage or fi gure out what was taken, safety is your fi rst priority! Remember, burglars may be inside and a confrontation could be dangerous. Also, you need to avoid touching anything as useful fi ngerprint evidence may be destroyed. Remember to leave the residence and call 911 from a safe place like a neighbor’s house or your locked car. d . y, e After The Police Leave: EVERETTWASHINGTONUSA For emergencies, call 911 Everett Police Department Crime Prevention Unit [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] www.EverettPolice.org Make safety a habit. Residential security starts at the curb. Lock your home at all times. Form a Block Watch group. 01-12 ◊ Secure your home. Repair any broken or destroyed entry locations. Think about reinforcing and upgrading locking devices. This includes doors and windows. ◊ Make an accurate list of all stolen property and any damage to your home. Both police and insurance companies will need this information. ◊ If credit cards or checkbooks are missing, inform your bank or card company to close the accounts immediately. ◊ If any offi cial documents such as savings, pension, rent and benefi t books, passport or driving license are missing, inform the issuing authority as soon as possible. ◊ Contact your insurance company or agent and request a claim form. ◊ Consider a professionally installed and monitored alarm system. ◊ Use landscaping to your advantage. Keep shrubs pruned to a maximum of three feet tall and limb trees to a minimum of seven feet off the ground. Remove bushes from around windows and doors. Prune away hiding locations. ◊ Document remaining valuable property to include: Serial numbers, pictures of jewelry, purchase cost, etc. ◊ Make your residence look like someone is there, even when you aren’t.