What to do if…
you return home and find signs that someone may have entered or tampered with it

What to do now

1. Move away from the entrance and wait somewhere safer, such as with a trusted neighbour, inside a locked vehicle, or in a nearby public place. Keep children and other dependants with you.
2. Call 999 if you think someone may still be inside, you see someone nearby who may pose an immediate risk, a crime may still be happening, or anyone is in danger. Tell the call handler if a person or pet may be inside.
3. If there is no immediate danger and the incident appears to have already happened, call 101 or use the police online reporting route. Describe what you found without guessing who caused it.
4. From a safe position, note when you arrived and what first appeared different, including damaged locks, open doors or windows, alarms, lights, vehicles, voices, movement, or disturbed belongings.
5. Ask the police whether you should remain outside and follow their instructions about entering or securing the home.
6. Once it is safe to enter, avoid disturbed rooms and walk through the home as little as possible. Leave visible marks, unfamiliar items, entry points, and surfaces that may have been handled undisturbed.
7. Preserve CCTV, alarm, doorbell-camera, video, and audio recordings. Do not change device settings or delete original footage; tell the police what recordings may exist and save a copy when you can do so safely.
8. When the police say repairs can begin, photograph visible damage first. Arrange urgent work needed to secure the home, involving your landlord or housing provider if you rent.
9. After the immediate safety and police steps, act promptly if keys, bank cards, identity documents, or phones appear to be missing. Contact the relevant bank, card issuer, service provider, landlord, or locksmith as appropriate.