After burglary locksmith
July 29, 2025
What to do after a burglary?
Emergency Steps To Take Immediately After A Home Burglary
Home burglaries happen more often than most homeowners care to admit to themselves. It can be a harrowing experience to come back home, to your safe space, and find that it has been broken into. It can even happen when the homeowner or tenant is in the property which can be the scariest experiences. These types of burglaries often cause many a homeowner/ tenant to question their safety and security.
Although there are many valid fears for homeowners to have, the way things play out after a home burglary or an attempted burglary will depend on how fast you act after you realize that your home has been broken into, and that you have now become a number in some of the alarming break-in statistics most homeowners overlook.
Below, we will provide a basic list of 7 emergency steps you should take immediately after a home burglary. These steps will help you stay safe, and also begin the process of restoring your homes security. We advise you to take your time reading this post after the burglary and go through each step to ensure your safety and security.
1. Stay calm
- Burglaries are traumatic events but it's already happened and to get stressed about it won’t do anyone any good so trying to relax and stay focused would be the first step. This includes trying your best not to touch or move anything around, especially when you walk into your home and it dawns on you that something isn’t right. This leads to the second step.
2. Call the police
- Call the police and report the burglary. This is why we suggest in step one to not touch anything, the police will want to take fingerprints, if you touch anything it will smudge the existing fingerprints left by the burglars if they haven't worn gloves.
2.1 - Find a safe place to hide
- This point specifically applies to homeowners or tenants who might be alerted to the presence of a burglar who breaks in while they are at the property, hence why it's listed as a 2.1. Most residential burglaries occur during the daytime when homeowners are not present, however this isn't the case for holidays that you may choose to spend at home. A portion of burglaries often occur during the summer holidays, public holidays and Christmas, all of which can be spent at home and are times of increased burglaries. This can be very jarring if you're sat peacefully on your couch and a stranger walks into your home.
3. Take stock of your possessions
- Once you have confirmed the burglars are no longer in your home you should start to assess the state of things and take stock of what you have or what may be missing. Not only does this information help you report correctly to law enforcement what may have been stolen (laptops, phones and electronics may be traced) you will also find it easier reporting to your insurance company and can expedite your claim.
This step can be challenging because you may still be dealing with the shock of finding that their home was just broken into and robbed. Making a list of the items that may be missing may help calm you down till the police arrive.
4 . Contact your landlord
- Third step would be to contact the person in charge of the premises. If you have a landlord contacting him/her would be the first course of action. If you are the landlord go to step 5.
5. Call the after burglary locksmith
- After calling the police you can already call the locksmith or glazier to check for prices and availability but bear in mind you’ll need to have the police taking finger prints. The locksmith will usually wear gloves when repairing the door or lock after the burglary which will smudge a few of the fingerprints. Usually if the police don't arrive in a few hours they will come the next day, the door/ lock has to be repaired and the property secured so this cannot be avoided and it's best to stay safe.
6. Contact the insurance company
– Once you have the report from the police and your property secured by the locksmith/glazier contact your insurer. You might need to provide them with evidence/ proof of burglary so keep any records made by the police and get an invoice for the repairs made by the tradespeople this way you can make a claim under the insurance coverage.
7. Have your burglary repaired permanently
– Whether the insurance will cover it or not you do not wish to keep leaving in an unsecured property. Therefore have your locks and doors properly secured. If needed have your door replaced and do everything it takes for a burglary not to happen again. The locksmith will normally provide advice on which locks can be used to stop a burglary from happening in the future.
Preventing a burglary
Preventing a burglary can often be a lot easier than having to repair and upgrade your security after the fact, definitely less traumatising . Most burglaries are absolutely preventable as most burglars today are young people that seek around for a door or window that looks easy enough to break open or people with addiction issues looking to find some cash or something easy to sell.
We advise the following steps to avoid a burglary all together
– Upgrade to British Standard.
Install BS3621 locks and make sure all your windows have bolts on the inside of the property that lock with a key, especially ground and first floor windows. This is also important so that you comply with your insurance requirements.
– Lock your door when leaving the property.
Nothing is harder to break then good quality locks that are actually locked. Make sure you secure your property every time you leave the house and lock your doors at night or when you're just relaxing at home.
– Have a professional locksmith inspect your home.
Locksmiths have access to the latest security products as well as the expertise to ensure that your premises are properly secured. They can check that your locks are installed correctly and that they are being used correctly.
If you're interested in finding out more information or burglaries in your area, check the UK police force website.
Feel free to contact us for any advice you may need in the aftermath of a burglary, we're always happy to help.
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
 If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
