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uk Personal safety & immediate danger window left open unexpectedly • window screen removed • screen missing from window • window ajar when you closed it • possible break-in signs • suspect someone entered home • returned home something feels wrong • home intrusion concern • signs of burglary at home • came home to open window • tampered window frame • forced entry through window • suspicious change at home • home security scare • unsure if someone is inside • entry point looks disturbed • window latch seems moved • you think you’re being burgled

What to do if…
you return home and find a window screen removed or a window left slightly open when you know you closed it

Short answer

Treat it as a possible break-in: don’t go in, move to a safer place, and call the police. If you’re not sure whether someone could still be inside, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t step inside “just to check” or call out into the home.
  • Don’t try to reattach the screen (for example an insect/fly screen), close the window, or touch the frame/handles if you may report it (you could disturb evidence).
  • Don’t confront anyone, follow anyone, or try to “block exits”.
  • Don’t search room-to-room, including “quickly checking upstairs”.
  • Don’t circle the property if it puts you in a vulnerable spot (for example, narrow alleys, back gardens, unlit side paths).
  • Don’t post details or your location publicly while you’re outside the property.

What to do now

  1. Pause and create distance. Step back from the window/door. Move somewhere safer (for example, to a neighbour’s home, a nearby shop/café, or inside your locked car).
  2. Decide 999 vs 101 quickly (if you’re unsure, choose 999):
    • Call 999 if you think someone may still be inside, you saw/heard anything worrying, you feel threatened, or the break-in may be in progress.
    • Call 101 (or use your local force’s online reporting) if you’re confident it’s not in progress and you’re safe.
  3. If you need to call 999 but can’t speak safely: call 999 from a mobile and follow the prompt to use the “Silent Solution” (press 55) so you can be transferred to the police without speaking.
  4. Observe from a safe distance (don’t approach). Note anything you can later tell police, such as:
    • any person seen leaving, direction of travel
    • any vehicle details (colour, make, partial plate)
    • which window, what looks moved/removed (screen, latch, curtain position)
  5. If someone else might be inside (housemate, family member, cleaner): try calling or texting them from your safe location. Do not enter to “look for them”. If you can’t confirm they’re safe, treat it as urgent and tell the police.
  6. Optional, only from safety: if you can remotely view a doorbell/camera feed or see alarm status from an app, check it from where you are. Avoid doing anything that would require approaching the property, and don’t rely on remote actions to “make it safe”.
  7. If police advise you to enter: follow their instructions exactly. If you do go in, avoid touching the window area and any disturbed surfaces, and don’t tidy up.
  8. Once the immediate risk is dealt with: ask for (or note) the crime reference number if a crime is reported.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide right now whether it was “definitely” a burglary.
  • You don’t need to immediately fix the window/screen, deep-clean, or start making a full inventory.
  • You don’t need to contact insurance, a landlord/agent, or arrange lock changes until you’re safe and (if relevant) police have advised on next steps.

Important reassurance

Finding a screen removed or a window unexpectedly open is a reasonable reason to feel alarmed. Treating it as a safety issue first is not overreacting—you’re choosing the option that protects you if you’re wrong.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the first minutes after noticing a possible entry point has been disturbed. Follow-on actions (repairs, security upgrades, insurance, longer-term safety planning) come later.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Always follow instructions from police call handlers and attending officers, and prioritise your personal safety over property.

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