If you just experienced a break-in at your office, it’s normal to feel tense and traumatized. A break-in comes with shock and the inability to figure out what the next line of action is. What’s more, it creates a feeling of insecurity among other employees in your workplace. So, what should you do immediately after your business break in? To help you make the right decisions after experiencing a break-in at your office, here are eight surefire ways to help you manage the entire situation.
To help you make the right decisions after experiencing a break-in at your office, here are eight surefire ways to help you manage the entire situation. One of the first things you should do is ask yourself, “what should you do immediately after your business break in?” By following these essential steps, you’ll ensure your business is properly secured and the proper authorities are notified.
Step 1: Contact the authorities
Immediately you notice a break-in, contact the authorities right away. While you do, you must stay calm. Don’t walk into your office in case the burglar might be inside. When calling the police, provide necessary information such as your name, address, and everything you remember about the situation.
If you’re wondering what should you do immediately after your business break-in, avoid raising alarms that may notify the burglar of your presence. Wait for the police to inspect the building before you enter. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, find a safe place close to your workplace to stay.
Step 2: Check for stolen valuables
After ascertaining the absence of the burglar, you can check your safe if any valuables were stolen or damaged. Make a list of the things stolen, as this is needed when you file an incident report for the insurance company. You can create an inventory folder that will contain the list of the damages, the approximate value, and a description of each.
For stolen devices, you can speak with the police if there’s the possibility of tracking and recovering them. Also, you might want to make a separate copy of this list for your insurance company. What should you do immediately after your business break in? It’s essential to secure the scene and begin documenting everything to ensure that you have the necessary details for insurance claims and police reports.
Step 3: Investigate your premises
If you’re wondering what should you do immediately after your business break in, it’s crucial to first check if you have a modern security system in place. If so, you can obtain CCTV footage from the security department. If you don’t have it installed yet, now is the best time to do so. Although it’s quite expensive, you have the assurance of tracking movements around your office premises.
Once you have access to the footage, check the video record ranging from the time you left your office to your time of arrival after the break-in. If you have a CCTV camera outside your office building, you might want to review unusual activities around the office during the time of the incident.
After a business break-in, one of the first things to consider is what should you do immediately after your business break in. Here are a few questions that you might want to affirm from the incident:
- Were there temporary staff/visitors in the building when the incident occurred? They have likely visited your office to familiarize themselves with the security systems. Check out for suspicious activities if any of this ever happened.
- Who was the last person to leave the office? Sometimes, other employees can misplace their keycards or keys to the locking system of the building. Follow up with other workers to know if they experienced any of this.
- Were there any unidentified people in the building? If so, you need to look further into the activities of the person. Check if the person entered the building during the closing hours.
For detailed analysis, you can give the authorities access to the security footage. Because of their expertise in handling such cases, they are likely to get relevant information from it.
Step 4: File an official report
After experiencing a business break-in, one of the first things you should do immediately is file a police report. What should you do immediately after your business break in? This is a necessary step, as it serves as important proof when dealing with your insurance company. The police report documents the incident and can help with the investigation, potentially leading to the identification and apprehension of the culprits.
Step 5: Contact your insurance company
When incidents like this happen, an insurance cover saves you from unplanned emergency expenses. If you don’t have insurance cover, now is the best time to do so.
If you do, follow these steps to have your valuables recovered.
- Call the insurance company within 24 hours of the incident.
- File an insurance claim. You can simply get this by contacting your insurance company.
- Collect the list containing all damaged and stolen.
- Submit the insurance claim together with the list of stolen valuables.
If you’re wondering, what should you do immediately after your business break in? It’s important to stay calm and follow these steps.
The insurance company may send a claims adjuster to verify the damages. Ensure you leave everything untouched till this happens.
Step 6: Re-access the security systems
What should you do immediately after your business break in? This is the most vital of all the steps listed above. Once your office has been breached, it signifies the need for advanced security systems. First, access the loopholes in your current security system. Evaluate the exact part of the building where the burglar was able to enter.
Fix damaged locks, windows, etc. For advanced security, it’s advisable that you hire security guards who will watch over your premises after closing hours. You can also buy a secure safe where you can put your valuables.
Step 7: Protect your accounts and your identity
If you’re wondering what should you do immediately after your business break in, it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize potential damage. One of the first steps is to prevent thieves from accessing your bank accounts and documents. If your credit or debit cards were stolen, call the bank immediately to cancel them.
For devices containing relevant information, such as account or login details, remotely erase the data if possible. You can also reach out to account providers for guidance on securing your accounts. Additionally, if vital documentation, such as your passport or driver’s license, has been taken, contact the relevant government authorities to report the theft.
Step 8: Replace damaged properties
Research reveals that 58% of office break-ins are a result of forceful entry. It’s likely to have broken windows or doors. Before you contact the insurance company, ensure you take pictures of these damages as proof. After you have handled the insurance claims, you can start taking steps to return your office to order.
So, what should you do immediately after your business break in? Invest a few bucks in hiring an expert commercial locksmith to fix broken locks. You can also contact a contractor to fix broken window panels or other damages in your office.
In cases where there are no forceful entries, the burglar might have access to the key cards or passwords. Change all passwords and remove unauthorized access to keyless door locks. If the intruder had carted away laptops and other electronic devices, invest in a reliable, safe document management system.
Step 9: Notify other employees
It is advisable to communicate with your colleagues when a break-in happens. While this can cause tension in your workplace, try to reassure them by unveiling your strategy to improve the security system. Reassure them of the steps taken to improve the security in the office.
A break-in is a traumatic experience. If you still feel overwhelmed in this situation, you can follow our tips to ensure your safety. However, you can contact us to decrease the likelihood of a break-in. We will advise you on crucial preventative steps that will undoubtedly spare you from many of these scenarios.
For your optimum business security, contact Alcatraz locksmith service to learn how to improve the safety of your company or home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do immediately after your business break in?
Immediately after your business break-in, the first step is to contact the authorities. Stay calm and do not enter the premises until the police arrive. Document the damages, file a police report, and inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Reassess your security system and take preventive measures to secure your business.
Why is it important to ask, “what should you do immediately after your business break in?”
Asking “what should you do immediately after your business break in?” helps you take prompt and organized actions to ensure your business remains secure. Following the right steps, like contacting the authorities and securing the premises, is essential for preventing further damage and starting the recovery process smoothly.
What should you do immediately after your business break in to protect your property?
After your business break-in, the first priority should be contacting the police and avoiding the scene until they arrive. Then, check for stolen items, secure any broken locks or windows, and update your security systems. Ensure that all valuables are accounted for, and work with your insurance company to recover any losses.
How do I prevent further damage after I ask, “what should you do immediately after your business break in?”
Once you ask, “what should you do immediately after your business break in?” and contact the authorities, prevent further damage by ensuring the premises are secure. Take inventory of stolen or damaged items, file an official police report, and repair any security vulnerabilities like broken doors, windows, or locks to prevent another break-in.
What should you do immediately after your business break in if sensitive data was stolen?
If sensitive data was stolen during the break-in, immediately after asking “what should you do immediately after your business break in,” you should contact your bank and any relevant service providers to lock accounts. Remotely wipe stolen devices, report the theft to authorities, and take further steps to protect your identity and accounts.