How to Recover Stolen Property

Theft of any size – whether it be a stolen package from your front porch or a ransack of your personal safe – can be emotionally distressing. It can leave you feeling unsafe and vulnerable within your own home, even if you weren’t physically harmed during the burglary event. 

Investing in a smart home security system is one way to keep burglars at bay and, more importantly, keep you feeling safe. Plus, in the event of a burglary, a home security system can help provide the authorities with vital evidence that can support their investigation and potentially help you recover your stolen property.   

Here’s what you need to know:

What Do Burglars Typically Steal?

Burglars tend to target items that are easy to carry and have a high resale value. This includes jewelry, electronics, cash, and firearms. They also often steal personal documents, such as passports and driver's licenses, which can be used for identity theft. 

Of course, sometimes burglars don’t even need to break and enter to get their hands on your personal items. With online ordering becoming more popular, petty thieves known as “porch pirates” will look out for unattended package deliveries and swipe them off your front step.

How Do Burglars Gain Entry to Homes to Steal Property?

According to the Bureau of Justice and FBI, 34% of burglars enter homes through the front door, and more than half (62%, to be exact) of home break-ins take place during daylight hours. 

Regardless of how or when a burglar gets in, they will act quickly. In fact, the average home invasion lasts only between 8 and 10 minutes. Whether they are experienced or amateur burglaries, they want to get out of your home as quickly as possible to save themselves from getting caught or recognized on camera. 

Having a home security system will help prevent burglars from getting close to your home and help catch them in the act if they do decide to enter. It’s also not a bad idea to practice tried-and-true tactics for hiding your valuables. Protect your valuables with a safe, lockbox, entry sensors or indoor cameras to ensure they are kept protected. 

How Smart Home Security Systems Can Help Recover Stolen Property

Though it’s true that security systems help deter burglars, it’s not always enough to stop someone who’s determined to commit a crime. 

Investing in security cameras, both indoor and outdoor, as well as professional monitoring, are some of the best ways to collect evidence that can be shared with the proper authorities. Videos that were recorded when your home is armed are stored in your app for future viewing. You can export these videos and share them with the police to help identify the burglar and/or the stolen property. 

Specific Steps to Take When Recovering Stolen Property

Once you’re certain that someone has broken into your home and has stolen valuable items, here are the steps to follow to report the incident and potentially recover your property:

• Report the theft to the police immediately and provide them with all the information you have, including the footage captured by your security cameras and any other relevant information.

• Submit photos and descriptions of the stolen items to the police.

• Check online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for the stolen items.

• Contact pawn shops and second-hand stores in the area to inquire about the stolen items.

• Keep in touch with the police regarding the investigation.

• Report the theft to your insurance company and provide them with the police report and any other relevant information. This will help you recover lost money.

Avoid Getting Your Property Stolen With SimpliSafe

It is important to remember that recovering stolen property can be a stressful and time-consuming process. However, by taking the proper steps and being proactive, you can increase your chances of not only getting your stolen items back but also preventing them from being stolen in the first place. 

It’s not always foolproof, but by investing in a smart home security system and professional monitoring, you can take steps to prevent burglars from stealing your valuables and recover those valuables if they are stolen. 

Get started today. Shop now at SimpliSafe.