A home burglary could result in significant damage, whether or not they get in.
When you notice signs of a break-in, call the police and a locksmith. We’d also recommend staying away from the building until the police or your security provider arrive – somebody could still be inside.
A burglary always hits you hard mentally. It’s unsettling to think of somebody going through your private belongings in what should be a safe space.
Aside from the emotional damage, burglars can cause physical damage to your doors, windows, and security measures. Here’s what to watch out for and how a locksmith can help.
Snapped locks
Sadly, most burglaries don’t result in snapped locks at all. Thieves simply walk or climb in through an open door or window.
However, it’s very common for locks to be snapped. A burglar essentially forces the ‘key’ to turn, opening the door. They then have access to your home.
If you find a snapped lock, you’ll need a new one. A locksmith will replace it. We’d recommend investing slightly more in an anti-snap model to help prevent it from happening again.
Other supportive measures to reinforce your home include CCTV by all the doors, removing anything that might obscure a thief from the street, and installing a second lock or bolt.
Broken doors and windows
Many modern doors are designed to withstand some serious punishment. It’s still possible for them to be broken down, though, and most windows can be smashed with little effort.
You’ll need new doors, locks, windows and glazing in these cases. Ensure smashed windows are carefully tidied up, too – you don’t want to be cut by any remnant glass shards.
Locksmiths will replace whatever you need. They could also install (or repair) a more practical version, such as uPVC doors and windows.
Consider alarms and CCTV alongside your replacement door or window. These deter impulse burglaries. You should also keep all your valuables away from the windows and locked in a secure place (such as a safe).
Stolen keys
After a burglar gains access to your home, they might steal a set of keys. Remember, these could be for the back or garage door, too. They’d then have repeat access to your home whenever they want.
Check any keyrings in the home for missing keys if you find evidence of a break-in.
If you find evidence of a missing house key, the lock will need to be changed immediately. Call a 24/7 emergency locksmith.
Keep your house keys hidden, away from the front door or windows, to reduce the likelihood of them being stolen.
Stolen car keys
A thief might steal spare car keys if you’re out and about during the burglary. They might intend to come back later to take your vehicle.
Your best option is driving straight to an auto locksmith. Most regular locksmiths provide this service.
They’ll use an advanced tool to reset the car and reprogramme your current key. The stolen key, therefore, won’t work. It’s also a good idea to get a new spare key.
Preventing burglary damage
Ultimately, prevention is the best cure. It’s impossible to seal off your home completely. Instead, security measures put would-be thieves off from breaking in.
If they choose to try it regardless, they’ll help keep them at bay while the police/security company make their way to your home.
The most effective solutions are alarm systems (including the box), CCTV and security lighting.
You should also ensure your home looks occupied and reinforce other entrances (back and side doors or upstairs windows).
Finally, ensure your home insurance covers everything of value you keep inside. If a burglar does manage to break in and cause damage, your policy should cover most of the costs.
Grays Locksmiths in Nottingham
Grays Locksmiths has been serving the Nottingham area for decades. If you’ve experienced a break-in or want to protect your home against it, we’d be happy to help.
Get in touch with us using the form below for a free, friendly chat. If it’s an emergency, give us a ring instead (0115 9422315). One of our on-call locksmiths will be straight over to assist.