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What to Do If Your Property Is Stolen: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australians

Discovering that your property has been stolen is a stressful and unsettling experience. Whether it is a break-in at home, a bike taken from outside a cafe, or a laptop snatched from your car, the feeling of violation is real — and so is the urgency to act. What you do in the first few hours and days can make a significant difference in whether your belongings are recovered.

This guide walks you through the essential steps, from securing your property to filing a police report, lodging an insurance claim, and using SerialCheck to maximise your chances of getting your things back.

Step 1: Secure your property and check your surroundings

If you have experienced a break-in, your first priority is safety. Do not enter your home if you suspect the intruder may still be inside — call 000 immediately and wait for police to arrive. Once you are certain the area is safe:

  • Check all entry points (doors, windows, garage) to see how access was gained. Secure any broken locks or windows temporarily to prevent further entry.
  • Walk through your property and take note of what appears to be missing or disturbed. Avoid touching or moving anything unnecessarily, as police may want to examine the scene for forensic evidence.
  • Check with neighbours — they may have seen something, heard something, or have security camera footage that captured the incident.

Step 2: Report to police

Filing a police report is essential, both for the investigation and for any insurance claim. In Australia, you can report theft in several ways depending on your state or territory:

  • New South Wales: Report online via the NSW Police Force website for non-urgent thefts, or call 131 444 for Police Assistance Line.
  • Victoria: Report online through Victoria Police's website or visit your local police station. Call 000 for emergencies.
  • Queensland: Use the Policelink online reporting tool or call 131 444 for non-urgent matters.
  • South Australia: Report online via the SA Police website or attend your local station.
  • Western Australia: Report online through the WA Police Force website or call 131 444.
  • Tasmania, ACT, and NT: Contact your local police station or call 131 444 for non-emergency reports.

When filing your report, provide as much detail as possible: descriptions of the stolen items, serial numbers, photographs, estimated values, and the circumstances of the theft. You will receive a police report number or event number — keep this safe, as you will need it for insurance and any follow-up.

Step 3: Document what was stolen

Create a detailed list of every item that was taken. For each item, record:

  • The make, model, and description
  • The serial number (if you have it recorded)
  • The approximate date and place of purchase
  • The purchase price and estimated current value
  • Any photographs you have of the item
  • Receipts or proof of purchase

This is where having your serial numbers already registered on SerialCheck is invaluable. If you have previously recorded your items, you can access all of this information instantly from your account — no scrambling through old emails or trying to remember details under stress.

Step 4: Flag items as stolen on SerialCheck

If you have a SerialCheck account, log in and mark each stolen item's serial number as stolen. This does several important things:

  • Creates a public alert: Anyone who searches that serial number — whether a potential buyer, a second-hand dealer, or a pawn shop — will immediately see that the item has been reported stolen.
  • Deters resale: Thieves who know that serial numbers are being checked are less likely to attempt to sell stolen goods through public channels.
  • Aids recovery: If someone finds or is offered your item, the stolen alert helps connect them with you and with police.

If you have not yet registered your items, you can still create an account and add the serial numbers now, marking them as stolen immediately. It is never too late to get your items into the registry.

Step 5: Monitor online marketplaces

Stolen property frequently turns up for sale on online platforms within days of being taken. Check these regularly:

  • Gumtree
  • Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell/swap groups
  • eBay Australia
  • Cashconverters and other second-hand dealer websites

Search for your item by make, model, and any distinguishing features. Set up alerts on platforms that offer them so you are notified when matching items are listed. If you find your property listed for sale, do not confront the seller yourself. Screenshot the listing, note the seller's details, and report it to police with your original report number. Let the police handle the recovery — it is safer for everyone involved.

Step 6: Lodge your insurance claim

If you have home and contents insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report a claim within a reasonable timeframe. You will typically need:

  • Your police report number
  • A detailed list of stolen items with values
  • Serial numbers and photographs
  • Proof of purchase where available (receipts, bank statements, order confirmations)

Be honest and thorough in your claim. Insurers may send an assessor for larger claims, and discrepancies can delay or jeopardise your payout. Having your items registered on SerialCheck provides an independent record of ownership that can support your claim.

Step 7: Prevent it from happening again

Once you have dealt with the immediate aftermath, take steps to reduce the risk in the future:

  • Register everything on SerialCheck: Go through your home and record the serial numbers of all valuable items — electronics, tools, musical instruments, bicycles, cameras, and anything else with a serial number.
  • Improve physical security: Upgrade locks, install deadbolts, consider security cameras or a monitored alarm system. Window locks and sensor lights are inexpensive but effective deterrents.
  • Photograph your valuables: Take photos of each item and store them securely — in your SerialCheck account, in cloud storage, or both.
  • Review your insurance: Make sure your policy covers the replacement value of your belongings. Consider listing high-value items individually on your policy for full coverage.
  • Stay vigilant: Lock doors and windows when you leave, do not leave valuables visible in your car, and secure bikes and tools in garages or sheds with quality locks.

Property theft is frustrating and disruptive, but taking these steps gives you the best possible chance of recovery — and helps protect you in the future. The most important thing you can do right now, even if nothing has been stolen, is to record your serial numbers before you need them.

Create your free SerialCheck account and start registering your valuables today. It takes just a few minutes and could save you hours of stress if the worst ever happens.