Every time I write about burglaries, I field a dozen phone calls and emails from people who are still hurting and seeking answers, even months or years after their homes were tossed for goods.
There’s rarely much I can do besides suggest they contact whatever agency took their original repor
t.
I reached out to Mukilteo police detective John Ernst. He agreed to lend his experience working cases to prepare a quick guide for burglary victims.
This online-only series is planned to answer seven key questions that come up regarding home burglaries. I’ll add links to each of the seven questions as I post Ernst’s answers.
These questions are among the most frequent:
1. Before a burglary ever happens, what I can do to be prepared? What property should I have documented?
2. I just got home from work, and someone’s been in my home. The house is trashed and things are missing. What do I do first? Can I start cleaning up immediately?
3. Is there anything I can do to help the police investigation?
4. Is there anything I should NOT do?
5. Should I have any hopes of getting my stuff back? Is there value to me personally checking Craigslist and pawn shops … I’ve heard that’s worked for others.
6. What if they come back? Should I be worried about that?
7. Are there any resources to help me move on from the feelings of loss and violation?
A good starting point for anyone interested in residential burglary prevention is the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office tip sheet. You can read similar tip sheets from Everett police here. The department offers them in several languages.
If you have questions or concerns about this series, please email me at rking@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3449.
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