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 are looking for a lock change locksmith, you have come to the right place When someone searches for lock change locksmith, they’re seeking more than just a service—they want a trusted partner to keep their property safe. At SMS Locksmiths, we understand that replacing or upgrading locks is about security, peace of mind, and protection for your home or business. With years of experience serving London and the surrounding areas, our team of fully trained, DBS-checked locksmiths delivers reliable, professional lock change services every time. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you should know about changing locks—from why it matters and when to do it, to choosing the right locks and understanding the advantages of using professionals. By the end, you’ll know why SMS Locksmiths should be your first call for all lock and security upgrade needs. 1. Why Change Your Locks? Changing locks is about more than just replacing hardware. It’s a critical step in ensuring your property remains secure, especially when key control is uncertain. Here’s why professional lock changes are important: Unknown key holders: If previous occupants, tenants, or staff may still have keys, changing locks ensures only authorised persons have access. Wear and tear: Over time, locks can become loose or malfunctioning, making them less secure. Enhanced security measures: Upgrading to high-security or anti-snap locks can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Insurance compliance: Policies often require insurance-approved locks. A professional locksmith can recommend and install compliant hardware. 2. When You Need a Lock Change Here are common scenarios that warrant immediate lock replacement: Moving into a new property Keys lost, stolen, or unaccounted for After tenant departure or staff changes Following a burglary or break-in For security upgrades, including anti-snap or smart locks When locks show signs of wear or are difficult to operate 3. Lock Change vs. Lock Repair Knowing whether to repair or replace your lock is essential: Repair: Ideal if mechanisms are clogged or key entry is limited. Works best for wear-and-tear issues, and can be done quickly. Replace (Lock Change): Necessary if the lock is broken, non-operational, or security needs to be improved. Recommended for move-ins or post-burglary situations. At SMS Locksmiths, we assess and recommend the best option for both security and cost efficiency. 4. Types of Locks and Upgrades We specialise in a range of lock types suitable for different door types, usage scenarios, and levels of security: Lock Type Features & Benefit Whether your priority is keyless convenience, insurance compliance, or maximum protection, we have the right solution. Anti-Snap Cylinder Locks British Standard (BS3621) Deadlocks Multipoint Locking Systems High-Security Cylinder Locks Emergency Locks & Night Latches Smart/Keyless Entry Systems Security Hardware for Doors/Frames Window & Patio Door Locks Prevents forced entry commonly seen in burglaries. Insurance-approved, durable locks for wooden doors. Adds multiple locking points for uPVC or composite doors. Designed to resist drilling, picking, and bumping. Provides quick access control and additional security. Convenient, code-based access without traditional keys. Reinforced plates, hinges, and strike plates to prevent kick-ins. Secures all exterior openings—essential for full-property protection. 5. Our Lock Change Process Here’s how SMS Locksmiths ensures a smooth, fast, and secure lock change: 1. Initial Contact You provide details such as postcode, lock type, and availability. 2. Local Locksmith Assignment A professional locksmith from our London team is dispatched—no call-out fee. 3. Security Assessment on Arrival We check the door, frame, and current lock to determine the best solution. 4. Clear Quotation You receive a written, all-inclusive quote by text or email—no hidden fees. 5. Lock Change or Upgrade We install the replacement lock or upgrade components (cylinders, multipoint mechanisms) efficiently—most jobs are completed in under an hour. 6. Testing & Warranty Final checks ensure the lock operates smoothly. All work is covered by our workmanship warantee. 7. Documentation Provided You receive an invoice and insurance-compliant paperwork for your records. 8. Security Assessment and Upgrade Advice Our expert locksmiths don’t just change locks—they provide strategic advice to strengthen your security: Door frame reinforcement with metal strike plates Window and patio door upgrades with Yale or mortice locks Frame lining solutions to prevent drilling Home security risk assessments to identify weak points 9. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much does a lock change cost? A. Usually between £100–£180 depending on the lock type. Includes all materials, labour, and zero call-out fee. Q. How long does it take? A. A typical lock change is completed within 60 minutes. Q. Are you insured? A. Yes—fully insured with DBS-backed locksmiths. Q. Do you work evenings and weekends? A. Yes—24/7 emergency availability is available. Call to schedule visits. 10. Need a Lock Change? Here’s How to Book Call us now for immediate assistance or to schedule a visit Message us via GMB or book through our website Email for a quote if you’d prefer to avoid phone calls Final Thoughts lock change locksmith isn’t just a search phrase—it’s a critical service for secure living and working environments. At SMS Locksmiths, we deliver top-tier products, expert service, and total transparency. Don’t leave your security to chance. Contact SMS Locksmiths today for fast, reliable, and guaranteed lock change services across London.
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham, help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times. Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
