A burglary leaves more than a broken lock or damaged door behind. Even when a property looks secure again, you may not know whether keys were taken, copied, or used to identify a weak point in your home or business. That is why it is usually wise to change locks after burglary rather than simply repair the visible damage and hope for the best.
The right work depends on how entry was gained, the type of door you have, and whether any keys are missing. A good locksmith will assess the whole entry point, explain what has failed, and recommend practical work without pushing replacements that are not needed.
Start With Safety, Evidence, and Access
If the burglary has just happened, do not rush to tidy up or repair anything before the police have advised that it is safe to do so. Damage around a lock, window, door frame, or handle can be relevant evidence. Take photographs if you can do so without disturbing the area, and keep a record of anything missing, including house keys, car keys, office keys, key fobs, and documents showing your address.
Once the property has been released, make it secure that same day if possible. A door that will not lock properly, a smashed window, or a loose frame can leave you exposed to a second attempt. Emergency boarding or a temporary lock may be appropriate overnight, but it should be followed by a proper repair or replacement as soon as practical.
If you rent the property, contact your landlord or letting agent promptly. They may be responsible for arranging repairs, but do not assume this means you must wait with an insecure door. If there is an immediate safety issue, explain that clearly and ask what emergency arrangements are available.
Should You Change Locks After Burglary?
In most cases, yes. Changing locks after a burglary is sensible when keys are unaccounted for, the lock has been forced, or you cannot be certain how the intruder got in. A lock can still turn and appear to work after an attack while internal components, the handle, or the door mechanism have been weakened.
There are situations where a full lock replacement is not necessary. If the lock itself is undamaged and no keys were stolen or accessible, a locksmith may be able to rekey the lock instead. Rekeying changes the internal pin setup so old keys no longer work, while keeping the existing hardware. It can be a cost-effective option for suitable lock types.
However, rekeying does not fix a worn, damaged, poorly fitted, or low-security lock. If the lock is old, has been attacked, or is not suited to the door, replacement is usually the better long-term decision. The aim is not to replace everything automatically. It is to remove uncertainty and restore dependable security.
Do Not Focus Only on the Front Door
Burglars often choose the easiest entry point, which is not always the main door. Check every route that could have been used or tested, including side doors, rear doors, patio doors, garages, sheds, and accessible windows. Look for scratches around cylinders, bent handles, loose hinges, splintered frames, damaged letter plates, and marks where a tool may have been used.
For homes with uPVC or composite doors, the issue may involve more than the cylinder. A damaged multipoint locking mechanism, misaligned door, broken handle, or faulty keeps in the frame can stop the door from locking correctly. Replacing only the cylinder in that situation may not solve the real problem.
Windows deserve attention too. A window that no longer closes tightly, has a damaged handle, or has a failed lock can undermine the work done on the doors. If keys for window locks were taken, they should be addressed alongside the main entry locks.
What to Replace and What to Upgrade
After a burglary, it is tempting to buy the strongest-looking lock available and fit it quickly. But security works best when the lock, door, frame, and fitting all suit one another. A quality lock installed badly, or attached to a weak frame, will not perform as intended.
A locksmith should look at the condition of the door and frame before recommending an upgrade. For example, a wood door may benefit from stronger strike plate fixings and repairs to damaged timber as well as a new lock. A uPVC door may need the mechanism adjusted before a replacement cylinder is fitted. Commercial doors may require different solutions depending on staff access, insurance requirements, and the number of people who hold keys.
Consider whether you want one key to operate several doors, restricted key control, or a different arrangement for a garage or office. These are not always necessary, but a burglary can be a useful moment to simplify access and account for who has keys. For a landlord or small business owner, that may mean replacing keys that have been passed between previous tenants, contractors, or staff.
If Keys Were Stolen, Act on More Than the House Lock
Stolen keys can create risks beyond the property where the burglary occurred. If a key ring included car keys, work keys, storage keys, or a key fob, treat each item separately. A thief may not know which vehicle or address a key belongs to immediately, but labels, paperwork, mail, and electronics can provide useful clues.
If vehicle keys were taken with documents showing where the car is kept, speak to an auto locksmith or your vehicle provider without delay. Modern vehicle keys often need to be removed from the vehicle’s memory and replaced so the missing key can no longer start the car. Simply getting a spare key cut may not be enough.
For business premises, change access codes where relevant and collect or deactivate fobs. Review who has master keys and whether locks on stock rooms, offices, or outbuildings need separate attention. A quick, organized response is often cheaper than dealing with another loss later.
Avoid Common Post-Burglary Mistakes
The first mistake is delaying because the door still closes. If you are unsure whether the lock has been compromised, have it checked. The second is replacing only the obvious broken item while ignoring alignment, frame damage, or other access points.
Another common problem is using a cheap temporary lock as a permanent solution. A temporary repair can get you through the night, but it may not offer the security or reliability your property needs. It is also worth keeping invoices, photographs, and details of the work completed for your insurer.
Be cautious with unfamiliar emergency locksmith adverts that give no clear local identity or pricing information. Ask whether there is a call-out charge, what the likely options are, and whether the locksmith will inspect the problem before carrying out chargeable work. You should be able to get a straightforward explanation, not pressure during a stressful moment.
Get a Clear Assessment Before Work Begins
A proper post-burglary visit should start with inspection, not assumptions. The locksmith should identify whether entry was forced, whether the lock can be repaired or rekeyed, and whether the door and frame still close and lock as they should. You should also be told what is urgent, what is advisable, and what can wait.
For property owners in Melksham, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Chippenham, Calne, Devizes, Westbury, Warminster, and Frome, GHI Locksmiths can assess damaged locks, doors, and mechanisms and help secure the property with practical, clearly explained work. The priority is restoring safe access and peace of mind, not making a difficult day more complicated.
A burglary can make a familiar home or workplace feel unsettled. Taking prompt, sensible action on the locks gives you back control – and lets you focus on the next steps with one less worry at the door.