Investigating a theft or vandalism claim is a different thing from notifying the police. Most homeowners policies state the insured is to notify the police in event of a theft and do not mention vandalism. Of course, depending on the severity of the vandalism, the prudent insured would notify the police. In calling the police, the insured can record the name of the officer taking the call and give the time and date the call was made. This constitutes “notification” and does not burden the insured with carrying out something he might not be able to do. Police departments do keep records of incoming calls, so if a question were to be raised, the insurer could check with the police department.