Burglary, theft and robbery

Definitions: 

• Burglary is when an individual or group break into a building with the intention of stealing, hurting someone or committing unlawful damage. 
• Theft is the act of taking something that belongs to someone else with the intention of keeping it. 
• Robbery is the act of taking something by force and intimidation. 

Actions to consider 

• In an emergency always call 999. 
• If personal items have been stolen ensure that you contact the relevant organisations to cancel and report the stolen items, for example; passport, bank cards, driving licence. 
• If your property has been damaged contact the relevant organisations to report the incident and get it repaired quickly, for example; insurance companies or local authority. 
• Make your home look occupied if you are going to be away for a length of time use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark. 
• If possible tell trusted neighbours, family or friends to check on your house if away for a prolonged period of time. 
• If you have to walk alone at night take extra care. Stay on roads that are well lit and relatively busy. 
• Avoid short cuts that involve alleyways or walking across parks or commons unless they are well-lit. 
• Be careful with your electronics; talking on a mobile phone or carrying a laptop bag shows thieves that you have something to steal. 
• Don’t carry important documents or credit cards that you do not need. 
• Contact Us, we all need support at some time or another and asking for help can be difficult, Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care are here when you want to talk. 

Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care can provide: 

• Emotional Support to cope and recover from the crime 
• Information on and referrals to other agencies 
• Advice on crime prevention and tailored safety planning advice 
• Practical support such as a personal alarm 
• Support using Language interpreters and British Sign Language interpreters