After a Break-In in Paris: the First 24 Hours, Step by Step

A break-in is violent even when nothing irreplaceable is taken. The French system is actually well organised — if you follow the order below, you protect both your home and your insurance claim.

Hour 0 — Don't touch, call the police

If you arrive and the door is forced: don't go in alone if the burglar could still be inside — call 17 (or 112). Even after the fact, avoid touching the lock and the entry points; the police may take fingerprints for serial burglaries. File a complaint (plainte) at the local commissariat — you can start it online via “plainte en ligne”, but the paper récépissé is what your insurer wants.

Hour 1–3 — Secure the door

An emergency locksmith secures the apartment the same day: temporary lock, boarding if the panel is damaged, full replacement if possible. Keep every invoice. This step is covered by many French home-insurance policies as “mesures conservatoires” — reasonable emergency costs to prevent a second intrusion.

Day 1–2 — Declare to your insurer (the deadline is real)

• You have 2 working days from discovery to declare a theft to your insurer (letter, email or client portal).
• Attach: the police report, photos of the damage, the locksmith's invoice, and a first list of stolen items.
• Look for receipts, warranty cards or photos of valuable items — French insurers love proof of ownership.

Week 1 — Upgrade before the copycat visit

Statistically, burgled homes have an elevated risk of a second attempt in the following weeks — the intruder knows the layout and the weak door. This is the moment to move to an A2P 3-point lock, reinforce the door, or install a certified armoured block. Your insurer may even require an upgrade to maintain coverage — and often your premium improves with certified equipment.

And breathe

Change what needs changing, then reclaim the space: most of our clients say the apartment “feels theirs again” once the new door hardware is in. That's the real end of a burglary.