What should you do after a break-in?

You can help the investigators find the perpetrator(s). To do so, you should follow these recommendations:

• First of all, call the police using the number 110.
• Do not touch anything and do not make any changes to the crime scene. If possible, take pictures, for example with your smartphone, and hand them over to the police.
• If bank cards have been stolen, you should have them blocked using the phone number 116 116 (the call is free of charge) and ask your bank to issue replacement cards.
• If you have household insurance: Inform your insurance provider and report the damage.
• Make a list of all stolen items. If possible, gather purchase receipts to document the value of stolen items. If you have pictures of stolen items, add them to the list. This damage list will help both the investigating authorities and the household insurance provider.
• If you live in a rented apartment: Inform the building owner or manager so that other tenants of the building can be warned and security measures can be improved.
• In any event: Do not hesitate to get help if you are scared, feel insecure or if you have any questions. You can ask neighbours, friends or family members for help, but police officers in charge of victim protection or experts from counselling services are also available to assist you. In addition to support by counselling services, it can sometimes be advisable to obtain advice from a lawyer.

Further information

Here you will find information on how to file a criminal complaint. If criminal proceedings are initiated, under certain circumstances you can join them as a private accessory prosecutor. Here you will find information on criminal proceedings and private accessory prosecution.

On the website www.k-einbruch.de, which is currently only available in German, you will find useful safety tips as to how to protect yourself against break-ins. Further detailed information on how to behave in case of a break-in is available on the website www.polizei-beratung.de (only in German).