Break-In Response Procedures for Pawn Shops

A burglary is every pawn shop owner’s nightmare. Acting quickly, safely, and methodically preserves your evidence, helps police, speeds insurance, and puts your shop back in business. Here’s exactly what to do, step by step, if you arrive to find a break-in.

Immediate Response: Safety First

• Do not enter if you suspect a burglar is still inside wait for police. Your safety is the top priority.
• Call 911 immediately from a safe place, describe the situation, and ask for an officer on-site. Share any video or alarms triggered.
• Notify your alarm/security company so they can relay info to authorities and preserve digital alarm logs.

Preserve the Scene

• Don’t touch anything! Every surface, tool, or piece of broken glass could have fingerprints or DNA. Avoid walking through broken entries or disturbed inventory.
• Keep other employees and onlookers away until police clear the scene.

Cooperate With Police

• When officers arrive, give a simple timeline (last time shop was secure, when alarm triggered, anything noticed by neighbors or cameras).
• Provide names of all staff with keys or alarm codes.
• Give access to all security footage and archive backup copies immediately for the investigation and your insurer.

Document Everything

• Make a written log: Date, time, who was first on scene, and all police and insurance case numbers.
• Inventory losses: Use your Pawn Shop Software reports and photographic evidence. Create a photo-documented list of all missing items, cash, and property damage.
• Take pictures: Entry points, broken safes, display cases, and all damage inside/outside for your records.

After Police Release the Scene

• Secure the building: Board up doors/windows, change locks/codes, and block off affected areas until repairs are made.
• Notify your insurance provider right away, provide all documentation, and promptly follow provider instructions for claims process.

Communicate With Employees and Customers

• Brief staff on procedures and when/if the shop can reopen. Reassure customers and the public that you’re actively cooperating with police and insurance and will update them as needed.

Review and Strengthen Security

• Meet with your security provider and review how the break-in occurred. Upgrade weak points: locks, alarms, cameras, physical barriers, or after-hours routines.
• Offer extra training or a review with staff about daily security (including avoiding unsafe short-cuts after repairs).

Why a Clear Response Plan Is Critical

• Preserves insurance eligibility and speeds a payout.
• Increases evidence for police, making recovery and prosecution more likely.
• Prevents repeat crimes criminals talk, and a confused or delayed response signals an easy second attempt.

Pro Tip

Have a printed “Break-In Response” checklist stowed in your office or with management contacts. Run through it step by step if something goes wrong panic makes it easy to forget!