Discovering that you’ve been the victim of a break-in can leave you feeling violated. Even after all the insurance claims are settled and the robbery is a distant memory, it’s hard not to worry that it will happen again. Peace of mind comes with taking the proper steps to secure your home, often with the help of a security professional.
A locksmith can help by conducting a survey of your home’s security including doors, windows, security systems and cameras.
Here are the steps to take if your home or business has been broken in to.
First Things First: Safety and Documentation
Before diving into repairs, ensure everyone is safe and that any intruders are no longer present. Call 911 if you haven’t already done so and wait outside or at a trusted neighbor’s house until the police arrive.
Once the officers have cleared the scene, document everything. Take pictures of damaged doors, broken locks, and any items that are out of place. These images help the police with their reports and speed up insurance claims later.
Resist the urge to clean up immediately; disturbed evidence can make it harder for investigators to understand how the burglar forced entry.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start your claim. Keep copies of the police report, photos, and receipts for any emergency work a locksmith performs. Most insurers reimburse these costs if you submit proper documentation.
When the authorities and insurance calls are out of the way, it’s time to shore up your defenses. A professional locksmith recommends focusing on these five immediate steps:
● Secure Broken Entry Points: Board up or replace shattered windows and splintered door frames to prevent another quick intrusion.
● Rekey or Replace Compromised Locks: If keys were stolen—or could have been copied—rekeying invalidates all old keys without changing the entire hardware.
● Upgrade Weak Hardware: Switch flimsy strike plates, short screws, or hollow-core doors for heavy-duty alternatives that stand up to force.
● Improve Lighting and Visibility: Install motion-activated lights or brighter bulbs near entry doors to deter would-be thieves.
● Consider an Alarm or Smart Lock System. These systems send Real-time alerts to your phone, plus audible sirens, to deter repeat offenders and expedite police response.
Each action above plays a different role in tightening security. Securing broken entry points is the obvious first step: a busted patio door or window makes your property vulnerable until it is fixed.
A skilled locksmith can fit temporary security boards or emergency glass replacements in a single visit. That same visit is the ideal time to rekey or swap out locks. Even if the burglar didn’t steal keys, they may have found hidden spares under a mat or flowerpot. Rekeying is usually faster and less expensive than a full replacement, and it immediately blocks all existing copies.
Upgrading hardware is your chance to address weak spots you may have never noticed. Many break-ins succeed because of lightweight strike plates held by short screws. Replacing these with reinforced plates and 3-inch screws that bite deep into wall studs makes it far harder to kick a door in.
If the door itself is hollow-core (common in back entries), upgrading to a solid-core or metal-clad door adds a layer of defense.
Lighting is next. Thieves like shadows. Bright motion lights over side doors or dark driveways remove easy hiding places. Today’s LED units install quickly and add only pennies to your energy bill. Pair those lights with trimmed bushes near windows so neighbors or passing patrols can spot suspicious activity.
Finally, alarms and smart locks give you eyes and ears even when you’re away. A basic alarm kit with door sensors and a loud siren can be set up in under an hour. Smart locks enable you to create digital keys for family members or employees and track exactly when each code is used. If someone tries another forced entry, you’ll know immediately and have digital evidence to share with the police.
Moving Forward with Action Locksmith Inc.
The hours following a break-in are stressful, but prompt action can make a significant difference. Securing entry points, rekeying locks, and installing smart security can help prevent another robbery. Most important, these steps help restore your sense of safety at home or work.
If you need fast, reliable help, contact Action Locksmith Inc. Our licensed technicians are available 24/7 for residential locksmith services to include surveying and securing damaged areas, rekey or replace locks, and recommend upgrades tailored to your specific property needs.
Don’t leave your security to chance—Call our locksmith company today or visit our website to schedule emergency service. We’ll handle the hard work so you can focus on getting life back to normal.