If your house was broken into, you might be unsure about what steps to take to report the crime and to protect your family and possessions. Improving your home’s security can reduce the chance of another break-in and help you feel safer in your home.

Follow these tips to avoid, prepare for and deal with break-ins:

1) Review your insurance policy. At least once a year AND before you go away on holiday, contact your insurance adviser to ensure your coverage is up-to-date and that you know exactly what your policy covers.

2) Make an inventory of your belongings. One idea is to use a video camera to record items in each room and store the images safely. Keep proof of ownership for your personal belongings, like the receipt for your diamond earrings or expensive watch.

3) Skip the social media updates. Do not post your summer holiday plans or updates from your trip on Facebook or Twitter.

4) Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Research shows that if it takes more than five minutes to break into a home, a burglar will go elsewhere. Use common sense: Secure your doors and windows and inform your security company when you go away or on holiday.

5) Consider installing an alarm and motion-sensor lights around your home. Alarm systems may also save you money on your home insurance.

6) Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the Internet. If you save personal information in your computer, make sure it is difficult to access.

7) Keep valuables locked away and well hidden. Do not leave personal documents in your home office or desk or expensive jewellery in your bedroom – burglars know to look there. Consider using a safety deposit box elsewhere.

8) Contact your insurer. If you have been the victim of a break-and-enter, your insurance company should explain to you what is covered under the policy. They can also discuss repair or replacement of your contents to help you decide how to deal with your claim.