There are objects on the floor in the front hall that don't belong in the front hall. A light is left on. Someone has broken into your home. The thieves had climbed two flights of construction scaffolding to enter through the kitchen window. This was my first experience with theft, and I hope it will prove to be the only one.
Safety is the first concern.
The thieves may still be in your home. The first step is to contact the police. Dial 911 from a pay phone or a neighbor's house. You can expect to wait up to an hour for police to arrive, depending on where you live and the time of day. Take the extra time to collect your thoughts, to remember what time you arrived and when you left.