I've been burgled

Help for the domestically done over.

1. Call the police immediately

Just don't dial them up from home, if there's a chance that the burglars are still inside. As soon as you've clocked that an intruder has visited, call up from your mobile in the street, or use a neighbour's phone. It's OK to dial *999* in this instance, if you think it's appropriate, because the crime may only just have been committed - and the bad guys still roaming your hood.

2. Don't touch anything

Tempting as it is to begin clearing up, especially if the place has been ransacked, it's vital that you leave everything untouched. The police will want to evaluate the scene, (and maybe even dust for fingerprints), and you don't want to go Hoovering up vital clues that may lead to arrests and the return of your stuff.

3. Get a grip

Walking into a burglary scene can give rise to all kinds of immediate emotions, from shock to anger, but it's important that you stay calm when dealing with the police. They'll want to make a report, which involves filling in a form and listing all the stuff that's been nicked. Get through this, it won't take long, and then settle down with someone you trust and talk about what's happened (see contacts if you'd like to talk in confidence to a telephone counsellor, now or at any time). The bottom line is that whatever you're feeling is fine, from shock to anger, isolation and depression, but in every case it helps to open up about it.

4. Protect yourself

Once the police are on the scene, they'll work with you to make sure the place is secure. You may need to call for an emergency glazier or locksmith, and it's worth calling your insurance company helpline at this point as they many offer 24-hour emergency call out services. Even if the door wasn't forced, it's worth changing all your locks as a precaution. Getting new locks fitted might be a hassle, but it could save you a great deal of grief in the long run. If you are forced to hire someone out of the phone book, get a receipt for the work as you may be able to claim back the cost from your insurance company. Also cancel any cheque books/cash cards you have, or think you might have left lying around the house, and check your address book/filofax hasn't been lifted. If it has, you'll have to notify friends/family of the situation, so they can take steps to protect themselves as you have.

5. Moving on

Getting your life back in order is going to take time ... not just your emotions but all the paperwork generated by some no mark breaking into your house. You'll need to work closely with your insurance company, and present them with the official police report (which will detail items stolen - so avoid the temptation to make up stuff that never existed). Policies can differ widely, and you may find yourself obliged to accept a new for old replacement, or a cheque to match the value of all the gear gone missing.