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Prepping for being a victim of crime checklist

By The SHTF App Team

Trauma causes “cognitive fragmentation.” You might remember the sound of footsteps perfectly but forget to ask for the police report number. Details determine the outcome, missing a single step can cost you thousands of dollars and deny you justice. This checklist is your external brain. By checking the boxes, you regain control, step by step.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, legal advice. Always call 911 first in an emergency.

Mission 1: Immediate response (the first 60 minutes)

Goal: survive and preserve.

  • Secure safety: get to a safe location (car, neighbor, public shop). Lock doors.
  • The “threshold rule”: if you arrive to find a burglary, do not enter.
  • Call for help:
    • Emergency: call 911 if the crime is in progress or you are injured.
    • Non-emergency: call the local station line if the event is over.
  • Preserve evidence:
    • Property: do not clean up glass, touch doorknobs, or tidy the room.
    • Person: if assaulted, do not shower, change clothes, or brush teeth.
    • Digital: do not delete texts/emails. Screenshot everything immediately.

Mission 2: The documentation bridge (first 24 hours)

Goal: create the official record.

  • Medical triage:
    • Go to ER or urgent care immediately (even for “minor” injuries).
    • Sexual assault: request a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) and ask about a “Jane Doe” kit if you aren’t ready to report yet.
    • Photos: take photos of all visible injuries (wide shot and close-up with a coin for scale).
  • Police interaction:
    • Write down the police report number (case number).
    • Write down the officer’s name and badge number.
    • Provide the facts, if unsure, say “I am not sure.” Do not guess.
  • The narrative:
    • Write (or voice record) your memory of the event ASAP (sensory details, timeline, description).

Mission 3: Targeted protocols (select your track)

Goal: execute the specific steps for your crime type.

Track A: Violent crime (assault, robbery, DV)

  • Advocacy: call a victim advocate immediately (DV hotline: 800-799-7233).
  • Safety plan: work with the advocate to create a safety plan / protective order.
  • Notification: register your number with VINE to be alerted if the offender is released.

Track B: Property crime (burglary, theft)

  • Insurance: call homeowners/renters insurance and provide the case number.
  • Evidence: submit your home inventory (video/photos) to the adjuster.
  • Security: board up broken windows and change the locks immediately.

Track C: Financial & identity crime

  • The kill switch: call bank/credit card fraud departments to close accounts.
  • The freeze: place a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
  • The federal report: file a report at IdentityTheft.gov.

Track D: Cybercrime

  • Quarantine: disconnect the infected device from the internet.
  • The FBI: file a complaint at IC3.gov.
  • Sanitize: reformat devices and restore from offline backups (do not pay ransom).

Mission 4: Long-term recovery (the first 30 days)

Goal: rebuild your life and finances.

  • Financial support:
    • Search “[your state] crime victim compensation program.”
    • Apply for reimbursement of medical bills, counseling, and lost wages.
  • Emotional support:
    • Contact the local victim witness assistance program (via DA’s office).
    • Schedule an appointment with a trauma-informed therapist (EMDR/CBT).
  • Follow up:
    • Call the detective assigned to your case after 14 days for a status update.
    • Update the police if you find new evidence or remember new details.