Considering technological advancements, criminals have also become quite advanced in their malicious attempts. However, crimes like theft and burglary are still quite common. Instead of targeting homes, most criminals attack automobiles, specifically those parked in secluded areas or underground parking.
Car break-ins have also become common in current times. It can cause damage to your car in addition to causing you stress and worry. You should not take the matter lightly and follow proper measures to deal with it and hold criminals accountable.
Keep scrolling down this article to learn in detail how you should deal with a car break-in attempt and avoid such incidents in the future.
Top 7 Things to Do After a Car Break-In
A car break-in attempt is a crime, and there is a proper protocol to deal with it. Your first instinct after spotting the attempt might be to get in the car and check for your valuables. However, you should not do so, as it can ruin the evidence. Make sure to follow proper protocol to increase the chances of criminals and boost your safety too.
Here are the major things you need to do right after you know about your car break-in attempt.
1. Record the Scene
Recording the scene is the first and foremost thing you should do as soon as you notice a break-in attempt in your car. The car door, windows, and windscreen damage will be enough to let you know something unusual happened. Make sure to take photographs from various angles without ruining the evidence and take a video too. The victims also contact car glass technicians to get an appointment to replace glass after it is clear of inspection.
2. File Police Complaint
Filing a police complaint is the next thing you must do after spotting a car break-in attempt. Notifying the authorities is crucial to help them inspect the scene. It might seem like a simple break-in attempt, but explosives or other monitoring devices can be planted in your car. The authorities can do forensics to collect every tiny bit of evidence and use it to catch the criminal. So, do not hesitate to report even when you think it is no big deal, as it can be.
3. Check for Your Valuables
Checking for the valuables is the next most important thing you should do after the authorities have inspected the scene. You can look for the documents kept in the car or your wallet and cash. If you think nothing particular is missing, you should check for car parts that can be stolen. The major motive behind such incidents is to steal something which is visible from the outside. If there is no such thing, then the purpose is to steal car parts or just scare the car owner.
4. Seize Your Accounts
Right after you spot a car break-in attempt, you should check for your identity card, credit or debit card, or even business or employment card. Even if there is any copy of an identity card, it can be used against you to commit other crimes. So, you must inform the authorities about such details. Moreover, contact your bank to block the cards if you have lost them to the burglary. Most importantly, look for car registration documents and notify authorities to prevent any sort of misuse.
5. Check Car Damage
Once you have inspected the missing items and the overall car, the next step is to check the car damage. A broken car window, windscreen, and door are quite common after such attempts. You can check for tire damage, seat damage, or other missing parts. The burglar might have taken easily detachable parts, so look thoroughly in order not to miss anything. You can even let experts check the scale of the damage.
6. File Insurance Claim
Filing the insurance claim is another important thing you must do after your car is involved in a break-in attempt. Most insurance companies handle and payback for the damages sustained in such incidents. The company will tackle any repair, replacement, and car parts theft. If your valuables like mobile phones or laptops are stolen, the insurance company will not be able to do much, and you should consult the police to recover the damage.
7. Get Screen and Window Replacement
The last thing you should do after your car gets a break-in attempt is get screen and window replacement. The burglars try to break in by damaging the windows or doors. They only damage the screen when no one is around or want to show their anger. Whatever the case, examine the damage thoroughly and book your appointment. You can contact car window replacement technicians in London and opt for on-site service to get everything fixed in front of you.
Is your car damaged after a break-in attempt?
After following the necessary inspection measures and protocols, you can pursue the repair and replacement of your car. Contact professional technicians to take care of every little detail smoothly and make the car as good as new.
