Home Truths: Recovering After A Burglary

It’s not something that any of us like to think of happening, but happen it does: homes are burgled, and the owners are left having to pick up the pieces.

Sometimes, those pieces are literal: broken windows, any disturbance or mess that has been caused. Those are the practical things that victims can throw themselves into, setting their home to rights as they try and take back control of their space.

Then there is the long, arduous process of what comes after in a legal sense. If you ever find yourself in that position, then you will be surprised by how boring it is. You have to deal with the matter with the police, to begin with. You might hold out some hope of seeing your stolen property again, but – as the police will usually tell you – the chances are usually small. As you try to cope with that loss, you then have to throw yourself right into the red tape nightmare that is an insurance claim. That can take months, and all the while, your home has massive gaps where beloved items used to be.

The above are bad; the terrible aftermath that you have to deal with. But far more troubling is the mental toll that a burglary tends to take. Most victims find themselves feeling as if their privacy has been invaded, to the point they want to sell their home because the space now feels violated. Sometimes that will solve the problem – but it often won’t.

If you do find yourself trying to pick up the mental pieces after a break-in, then there are some steps you can take to try and make yourself feel whole again.

1. Do Whatever It Takes To Feel Safe

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In the aftermath of a burglary, some people go out and buy dogs so they can feel safe on their property. Others will plump for the installation of quality CCTV systems or plant trees and shrubs that will deter burglars. All of these are reactions to try and soothe the concern they feel about the idea of being a victim a second time.

And they’re all completely valid. Give yourself a break and take whatever steps you feel are necessary to make you feel safe again. There’s nothing weak about wanting future protection when you have already learnt the hard way that you can be in the unlucky section of statistics.

2. Seek Counselling

If you are struggling to get over a burglary, then don’t hesitate to seek counselling. Therapists can help walk you through what you’re feeling and give you techniques to help calm you, give you back some sense of strength. Do this sooner rather than later so you can feel the benefits.

3. Develop A Night-Time Routine

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Write down a list of things that you want to check before you go to bed at night. This could be that the windows are locked, the keys are out of sight, the security lights are on – anything that makes you feel safe. Dutifully go around each night ticking the list off, then if you panic while in bed, you can check the list and know you’re as safe as can be.