Secure Your Property Fast: Expert After Burglary Services in South West London
July 30, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
If you've recently been through a burglary, knowing the right steps to secure your property is absolutely crucial. It’s an upsetting experience that can leave you feeling really vulnerable. That’s where we come in. Our team at SMS Locksmiths is here to provide the fast and reliable help you need right when it matters most. In this post, we'll walk you through the important actions to take immediately after a burglary and explain how our after-burglary services can quickly help secure your property again. We offer everything from boarding up services to changing locks, ensuring that your space is safe and you can have peace of mind again, whether you're a homeowner or a business owner.
What to Do Immediately After a Burglary
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a burglary, taking the right steps immediately can help mitigate further risks and prepare you for a swift recovery. Here’s what you should do right away:
- Call the Police: As soon as you discover a break-in, your first step should be to contact the police. It’s important not to touch anything until the police arrive, as they will need to collect evidence. Reporting the incident quickly helps in the investigation and increases the chances of catching the burglars and potentially recovering stolen items.
- Document the Damage: While you wait for the police, start documenting the damage. Take photos or videos of the scene, capturing how things were disturbed and what was damaged. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and can also be helpful for the police. Make a list of everything that is missing or broken, noting the value of items for your insurance provider.
- Call SMS Locksmiths for Immediate After Burglary Services: Once the police have finished their initial investigation and you’ve documented the damage, it’s time to secure your property. Contact SMS Locksmiths for fast and reliable after-burglary services. We’ll respond promptly to board up broken windows and doors and replace compromised locks. Our goal is to resecure your property quickly to prevent any further loss and to help you start feeling safe again.
Our Process: Comprehensive After Burglary Services to Secure Your Property
When you've been the victim of a burglary, the steps you take next are crucial to regaining your security and peace of mind. At SMS Locksmiths, we have a streamlined process to ensure your property is secured as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here’s how we help you bounce back after a break-in:
Immediate Response: As soon as you call us, we prioritize your service request. Our team understands the urgency of the situation and is ready to respond swiftly. We’re here to answer your call 24/7, because we know that burglaries can happen at any time and you need someone you can rely on immediately.
Boarding Up Services: Our first step is to secure the physical vulnerabilities of your property. If your doors or windows have been damaged, our boarding up service ensures that these entry points are securely covered to prevent any further unauthorized access or exposure to the elements. This service is quick, effective, and a crucial first layer of security while you plan for more permanent repairs.
Lock Replacement and Upgrades: While boarding up takes care of immediate risks, changing and upgrading locks is essential to restoring full security. We assess any compromised locks and provide high-quality replacements. Whether you need traditional lock changes or want to upgrade to more advanced locking mechanisms, we have the expertise to recommend and install the best options for enhancing your home's safety.
Security Review and Enhancements: After addressing the immediate security concerns, we also offer to review your overall property security. This can involve assessing potential weak spots and suggesting additional security measures like improved lighting, alarm systems, or even CCTV if you decide to incorporate technological surveillance in the future.
Our comprehensive after burglary services are designed not just to restore your property to its pre-burglary state but to enhance it, making it safer than before. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and concerns, ensuring that the solutions we provide meet your expectations and bring back your peace of mind. At SMS Locksmiths, we’re not just fixing locks; we’re helping you rebuild a secure and safe environment for you and your loved ones.
How to avoid a burglary
Living in London, while offering numerous cultural and social benefits, also requires being vigilant about personal and property safety. Burglary can be a concern, but there are effective steps you can take to minimize the risk. Here’s some practical advice, crafted to help you keep your home secure:
1. Upgrade Your Locks:
Invest in High-Security Locks: Ensure that all external doors have high-quality locks, such as deadbolts or Euro cylinder anti-snap locks. It's worth consulting with a professional locksmith to get the most secure options available.
Window Locks: Don’t overlook windows, which can be common entry points for burglars. Install locks on all accessible windows, particularly those on the ground floor or close to drainpipes and flat roofs.
2. Use Smart Home Security Technology:
Install an Alarm System: A visible burglar alarm system can deter intruders and alert you and your neighbors to any unauthorized entry.
Consider CCTV: Installing CCTV cameras can be a strong deterrent to potential burglars, especially if they are prominently placed.
Smart Lighting: Use motion-sensitive lights around your property’s perimeter, which will startle potential intruders and can alert you to movement outside.
3. Strengthen Physical Security:
Reinforce Entry Points: Ensure that your doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Consider installing a ‘London Bar’ to reinforce the door frame.
Secure Sliding Doors and French Windows: Use additional locks or security bars to prevent these from being forced open.
Security Grilles and Shutters: Particularly for those living on the ground floor or in easily accessible flats, grilles and shutters can provide an extra layer of security.
4. Be Mindful of Appearances:
Don’t Advertise Your Absence: Use automatic light timers to make it appear someone is home, even when you’re away. Avoid leaving packaging from expensive purchases visible in the trash.
Maintain Your Property: An unkempt home can suggest absence or neglect, making it a more likely target for burglars. Keeping your garden tidy and hedges trimmed also removes potential hiding spots.
5. Community and Neighbourhood Watch:
Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: Being part of a community watch program can significantly reduce crime in your area. You’ll be informed of any suspicious activities and can collaborate on improving neighborhood security.
Communicate with Neighbours: Good relationships with your neighbors can help keep your home safe, especially when you’re away. They can report suspicious activity and collect your mail.
6. Think Like a Burglar:
Assess Your Home’s Vulnerabilities: Walk around your property and try to think like a burglar. Identify weak points and consider how you would break in if you had to, then work to strengthen these areas.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Ensure that expensive items are not visible through windows. Use curtains or blinds to obscure the view into your home, particularly in rooms where valuables are kept.
Implementing these measures can greatly enhance the security of your home in London, deterring burglars and giving you peace of mind. Remember, the goal is not just to protect your property but also to make your home feel safe and secure for you and your family.
What SMS Locksmiths can do to help you after a burglary
Experiencing a break-in can be unsettling, leaving you feeling vulnerable. That’s why SMS Locksmiths is dedicated to providing rapid and robust after burglary services to residents of South West London. Our expert team is equipped to handle any emergency with our comprehensive boarding up and resecuring services. Whether it’s a shattered window or a broken door, we ensure that your property is promptly and securely mended, giving you peace of mind while you arrange for permanent repairs.
If your property has been compromised, don’t wait. Our boarding up service is designed to offer temporary but secure closure to your damaged entry points. We use only the highest quality materials to maintain the security of your property, and our lock replacement service ensures that all locks are in working order or upgraded where necessary to enhance your safety.
Stay one step ahead of potential threats with SMS Locksmiths. Our commitment to rapid response and quality service makes us the trusted choice in South West London. Contact us today to secure your property and regain your peace of mind.
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.
