Just Been Broken Into? What To Do in the First 48 Hours (Sydney Guide)

1. Secure Your Physical Safety First

• If the intruders are still inside or nearby: Leave the premises immediately and call Triple Zero (000). Wait in a safe public spot or a neighbor's house until police arrive.
• Do not touch or clean up anything: As hard as it is to look at a ransacked room, resist the urge to tidy up or move items. Police need undisturbed scenes to check for fingerprints, footwear impressions, or DNA evidence.

2. Contact the NSW Police Force

• For emergencies (intruder on-site or immediate danger): Call 000.
• For non-emergencies (the intruders have left): Do not call 000. Instead, contact the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 13 14 44 or report the incident online via the NSW Police Force Community Portal.

• If house keys were stolen or locks smashed: This is an absolute emergency. Do not wait, re-key or replace all damaged perimeter locks immediately. The first few hours after a break-in are important. Once everyone is safe and police have attended, the priority is to preserve evidence, secure the property and begin the recovery process.
• Emergency Insurance Coordination: Your insurance policy may cover emergency "make safe" repairs. Contact your insurer as soon as practical to confirm your coverage and any requirements for emergency repairs.

1. The Essential Insurance Checklist

• Police Event Number: (Obtained from Phase 1).
• Photographic Evidence: Clear, timestamped photos of all damaged entry points (doors, windows, locks) and general room disruption.
• List of Stolen/Damaged Items: Create a detailed inventory including descriptions, brand names, model numbers, and estimated replacement values.
• Proof of Ownership: Gather receipts, bank/credit card statements, digital user manuals, or warranty cards.

2. Safeguard Stolen Identity Documents

• If passports, driver's licences, or banking tokens were taken, act instantly:
• Contact Service NSW (13 77 88) to report stolen NSW driver's licences.
• Notify your banks immediately to freeze or cancel stolen cards.

• Hardwired CCTV Camera Systems: Deter future intruders with crystal-clear, uncompressed IP cameras. We install hardwired PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) CCTV setups connected to a local Network Video Recorder (NVR), providing reliable 24/7 recording without relying on Wi-Fi connectivity and with camera placement designed to minimise blind spots.
• Smart Alarm Systems: Upgrade to modern intruder alarms featuring perimeter reed switches on doors and windows, motion sensors, and instant smartphone push notifications.
• Video Intercoms: Control who approaches your front door or front gate with a hardwired IP intercom system complete with high-definition video feeds and remote unlocking.
• High-Security Hardware & Deadlocks: Replace vulnerable entry hardware with appropriately specified security locks and deadlocks that meet applicable Australian Standards, and restricted key systems that are designed to limit unauthorised key duplication.
• ACMA-Compliant Cabling: Where telecommunications cabling is required, cabling is installed by appropriately registered cablers in accordance with applicable Australian requirements and standards.

• What should I do if the intruder may still be inside?
  Leave the property immediately and call Triple Zero (000). Do not enter or confront anyone. Wait in a safe location until police advise that it is safe to return.
• Can SmartEdge make my property secure after a break-in?
  We can assess damaged or vulnerable security infrastructure and discuss options for CCTV, alarms, intercoms and other security upgrades.
• Can you install CCTV urgently?
  Subject to technician availability, we can prioritise urgent security installation requests across Sydney.
• Can you work with my insurance claim?
  We can provide documentation and itemised quotations where appropriate, while your insurer determines what is covered under your policy.