Experiencing a break-in in Germany can be frightening and disorienting, especially if you're new to the country or unfamiliar with German procedures. The shock of having your home violated, combined with language barriers and unfamiliar legal processes, can make the situation feel overwhelming. As an English-speaking expat or resident, understanding exactly what to do in the hours and days following a break-in is crucial for your safety, security, and recovery.
This comprehensive guide walks you through each step you need to take after a break-in occurs—from immediate safety measures to filing police reports, documenting damage, and restoring your sense of security. Whether you're renting or own your property, these actionable steps will help you navigate the situation confidently and protect your interests in Germany.
Immediate Safety & Emergency Response
Your safety is the absolute priority immediately after discovering a break-in. If you arrive home and suspect a burglary in progress, do not enter your apartment or house. Step away, move to a safe location, and call the emergency police number 110 immediately. Speak clearly, state your location, and explain that you suspect a break-in. If you don't speak German fluently, say "English" or "English speaker" and many police dispatch centers can connect you with English support.
If you're already inside when you realize a break-in has occurred, calmly leave the property if you feel safe doing so. Lock yourself in a room if necessary and call 110. Never confront an intruder—your personal safety is far more important than protecting belongings. Once you've left the area safely, wait for police to arrive and secure the scene before you re-enter.
After immediate danger has passed, check yourself and anyone else in your home for injuries. Even minor injuries should be documented and reported to police. If you've been threatened or physically harmed, request medical assistance and ensure this is noted in your police report. Keep all first aid documentation and medical records, as they may be relevant for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Filing a Police Report (Anzeige) in Germany
In Germany, you must file a formal police report (called an Anzeige) at your local police station within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within 24–48 hours of discovering the break-in. This report is essential for insurance claims, legal purposes, and creating an official record. You can file in person at your local Polizeiwache (police station) or, in some cases, online through your state police website. Many larger stations have English-speaking officers, but bringing a translator or a German-speaking friend is helpful.
When filing your report, bring photo identification, proof of residence (lease, utility bill, or rental contract), and a detailed list of items that were stolen or damaged. Be as specific as possible: note brand names, model numbers, serial numbers if available, and estimated values. German police need thorough documentation to create an accurate report. Ask for a copy of the police report number (Aktenzeichen), which you'll need for insurance claims and further correspondence.
If you're struggling with the language, contact your local Integration Center or expat support organization—many provide translation assistance for police matters. Some police stations also have victim support services (Opferperspektive) that offer free guidance to crime victims, including English speakers. Don't hesitate to ask for help; German authorities expect and accommodate such requests.
Document & Preserve Evidence
Before cleaning up or repairing damage, document everything thoroughly with photographs and video. Take clear pictures of forced entry points (broken locks, damaged doors/windows), disturbed items, scattered belongings, and any visible damage. This visual evidence is critical for both police investigations and insurance claims. Use your smartphone camera and ensure photos are date-stamped. If items are missing, photograph the empty spaces where they were stored. Write detailed notes describing what was stolen, when you last saw the items, and their approximate value.
Do not touch or clean the break-in area until police have finished their preliminary inspection, usually completed during or immediately after filing your report. If police need to return for further investigation, preserving the scene helps their work. Once police give clearance, retain all documentation (photos, notes, receipts, repair estimates) in both digital and physical copies. Store copies in a secure location separate from your home—cloud storage or with a trusted friend is ideal.
Insurance Claims & Recovery Steps
Contact your Hausratversicherung (home contents insurance) or landlord's insurance within a few days of the break-in. You'll need your police report number (Aktenzeichen), the date and time of the break-in, a detailed inventory of stolen or damaged items with values, and all supporting documentation (photos, receipts, repair quotes). German insurers have specific timeframes for claims submission—typically 30 days—so act quickly. Submit everything in writing via registered mail or through your insurer's online portal if available. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Beyond insurance, arrange emergency repairs to restore security: replace broken locks, repair doors/windows, and consider upgraded security measures like new locks (Schlösser), window locks, or security systems. Contact a licensed locksmith immediately for lock replacement—call 015161134271 for English-speaking assistance. Once repairs begin, keep all receipts and invoices as part of your claim documentation. If you're renting, inform your landlord (Vermieter) immediately and coordinate repairs through them, as they may be responsible for certain structural repairs under German rental law.
Frequently Asked Questions
The emergency police number in Germany is 110. This number is available 24/7 and connects you to local police dispatch. When calling, state clearly that you've experienced a break-in and provide your address. If you don't speak German fluently, say "English" and dispatchers in major cities can often connect you with English-speaking assistance or provide instructions in English.
Yes, a police report is absolutely required for insurance claims in Germany. Your Hausratversicherung (home contents insurance) will not process a claim without a formal police report number (Aktenzeichen). File your Anzeige (police report) at your local Polizeiwache within 24–48 hours of discovering the break-in. Obtain a copy of the report or at minimum the report reference number to submit with your insurance claim.
While German law doesn't set a strict deadline, you should file a police report as soon as possible—ideally within 24 to 48 hours of discovering the break-in. Reporting quickly preserves evidence, helps police investigations, and ensures your insurance claim timeline isn't compromised. Delays beyond a few days may raise questions with insurers about the delay in reporting. If you've been injured or traumatized, report as soon as you're able to do so safely.
Bring photo identification, proof of residence (lease, utility bill, or rental contract), and a detailed list of stolen or damaged items with values and serial numbers if available. It's helpful to bring photos of the break-in damage and a written statement describing when you discovered the break-in and what was taken. Having this information prepared before visiting the police station speeds up the process significantly.
It's best to hire a licensed professional locksmith for security-related repairs, especially after a break-in. A professional ensures the new lock meets German DIN standards, functions properly, and is correctly documented for insurance purposes. Keep all receipts and invoices—these are required for insurance claims. For English-speaking assistance with lock replacement in Germany, contact our team at 015161134271. Professional work also provides warranty protection and peace of mind.
English-speaking locksmiths available 24/7 across Germany.