Written by George , Trulox’s locksmith · Updated 13 June 2026 · 5-minute read

Discovering your home has been broken into triggers a cascade of emotions: shock, anger, violation, fear. In this moment, clear thinking feels impossible—yet the actions you take in the next few hours significantly affect your recovery.

The short answer

Do not enter if there’s any chance the intruder is still inside. Call 999 immediately. Once safe, document everything with photos before touching anything. Report to police, contact your insurer, then address the physical breach. Your immediate safety comes first; everything else follows.

Before You Enter: The Safety Assessment

The natural instinct is to rush inside, assess the damage, check what’s missing. This instinct can be dangerous.

Signs the Intruder May Still Be Present

• Break-in appears very recent (door still ajar, sounds inside)
• Lights that should be off are on (or vice versa)
• Unfamiliar vehicle nearby
• Any sense that something feels wrong

Caution — Critical Safety Warning: If there is ANY possibility someone is still inside, do not enter. Move away from the property, go to a neighbour’s house, and call 999. Property can be replaced; you cannot.

What Police Recommend

Law enforcement consistently advises: when in doubt, stay out. Wait for officers to clear the property. The few minutes of waiting is insignificant compared to the risk of confronting a trapped, potentially desperate intruder.

Step 1: Call the Police (999 or 101)

When to Call 999

• Crime in progress or just occurred
• You believe intruder may still be nearby
• Anyone has been injured
• There’s serious damage or threat

When to Call 101

• Crime clearly happened some time ago
• Property is secure
• No immediate danger

What Information to Have Ready

• Your address and phone number
• When you discovered the break-in
• When you were last at the property
• Description of obvious damage
• Whether anything is clearly missing
• Any witness information

The police report isn’t just about catching criminals—it’s a crucial document for your insurance claim. Without it, recovering your losses becomes significantly harder.

Step 2: Document Everything Before Touching Anything

Once police confirm the property is safe (or you’re certain it is), resist the urge to clean up or check belongings. Your first task is documentation.

Photography Protocol

Capture:

• Points of entry (broken windows, damaged doors)
• The state of each room
• Specific damage to furniture or fixtures
• Any areas that appear searched or disturbed
• The overall mess—don’t tidy first

Tips:

• Use your phone’s timestamp feature
• Take wide shots and close-ups
• Photograph from different angles
• Include context (room visible, not just isolated damage)

Written Notes

Document your observations:

• Time you discovered the break-in
• Time you last saw the property secure
• What immediately appears missing
• Any curious details police should know

Note — Evidence Preservation: Avoid touching door handles, light switches, or surfaces. If police decide to send forensics, fingerprints and DNA could be present. Even if forensics aren’t available, preserving the scene helps your statement accuracy.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Timing

Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours. Call as soon as practically possible—the same day where possible.

Information They’ll Need

• Policy number
• Date and time of discovery
• Police reference number (you may need to call back with this)
• Description of what happened
• Initial list of missing/damaged items
• Cost of emergency repairs required

Emergency Repairs

Your policy likely covers emergency security repairs to make the property safe. Ask specifically about:

• Coverage limits for emergency work
• Whether pre-approval is needed
• Preferred contractors (some insurers have networks)
• Documentation required

Caution — Keep All Receipts: Every expense related to the break-in—emergency locksmith, temporary repairs, hotel if uninhabitable—should be documented. Even seemingly small costs add up and may be claimable.

Step 4: Secure the Property

Immediate Security

If the breach point cannot be properly secured immediately:

• Board up broken windows
• Replace or reinforce damaged doors
• Consider temporary security solutions if permanent repairs take time

Professional Assessment

A security professional can:

• Properly secure the immediate breach
• Identify whether other entry points were tested
• Recommend upgrades to prevent repeat targeting
• Provide documentation for insurance

Why It Matters

Statistics grimly show that burgled properties have elevated risk of re-burglary within weeks. Criminals who succeeded once know the layout, know you’ll replace stolen items with new ones, and know they can get in.

Step 5: Create a Comprehensive Inventory

Once the immediate crisis is managed, compile a detailed list of everything missing or damaged.

How to Organise

Group items by:

• Room of origin
• Category (electronics, jewellery, documents, etc.)
• Approximate value
• Whether you have proof of ownership

Proof of Ownership

For significant items, evidence helps claims:

• Original receipts or invoices
• Credit/debit card statements
• Photographs showing items in your home
• Warranty cards or registration documents
• Serial numbers (check old phone photos)

Don’t Forget

• Items in wardrobes, drawers, safes
• Things stored in unusual places
• Sentimental items (insurance may not cover these fully, but document them)
• Damage to property itself, not just stolen goods

Many people underestimate their losses until they methodically check every storage space. The full picture often emerges over days, not hours.

Step 6: Address the Emotional Impact

Burglary is a violation. Your private space was invaded. Your sense of security was stolen alongside your possessions.

Common Reactions

• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety about leaving home
• Anger without outlet
• Feeling violated or “dirty”
• Replaying “what if I’d been home?”

These Are Normal

Almost everyone who experiences burglary reports some emotional impact. It doesn’t mean you’re overreacting.

Getting Support

• Talk to friends and family
• Your employer may offer counselling services
• Victim Support provides free, confidential help
• GP can provide resources if anxiety persists

Children and Elderly

These groups may be particularly affected. Watch for changes in behaviour, sleep disturbances, or reluctance to be alone in the home.

Step 7: Strengthen Your Security

Once the immediate crisis passes, use this experience to prevent recurrence.

Assess Vulnerabilities

Consider honestly:

• How did they get in? (Force, picking, unlocked entry?) - learn about lock snapping, the most common attack method
• Were there easy access points you overlooked?
• Could better locks have prevented entry?
• Would an alarm have helped?

Practical Upgrades

Priority	Action
Immediate	Replace compromised locks with high-security cylinders
High	Assess all external doors and windows
Medium	Consider alarm system or upgrade
Ongoing	Establish security habits (checking locks, varying routines)

Professional Security Review

A comprehensive property assessment identifies vulnerabilities you might miss. See our front door security guide for a complete checklist. The modest investment often reveals surprising weaknesses beyond the obvious entry point.

Moving Forward

A break-in feels like a turning point. In some ways it is—the innocence of feeling secure is harder to recapture. But many people find that once they’ve improved their security and processed the emotional impact, they feel more aware and better protected than before.

The goal isn’t to live in fear. It’s to take reasonable precautions, address vulnerabilities, and return to normal life with confidence that you’re harder to victimise than before.

What to Do After a Break-In

• Ensure safety first. Do not enter if there’s any chance the intruder is still inside. Move away from the property and go to a neighbour’s house if needed.
• Call the police. Call 999 if burglar might still be present, or 101 for non-emergency. Get a crime reference number—you’ll need this for insurance claims.
• Document everything with photos. Once safe, photograph points of entry, damage, disturbed items, and overall scene before touching anything. This evidence is crucial for police and insurance.
• Contact your insurer. Call your home insurance provider with your crime reference number. Ask about immediate support and claim requirements.
• Secure the property. Call a locksmith to secure any damaged entry points. Get an itemised invoice for insurance documentation.
• Create an inventory of stolen items. List everything missing with descriptions, purchase dates, and approximate values. Check less obvious places like drawers and storage areas.
• Seek support if needed. Burglary is traumatic. Talk to friends, family, or victim support services. Many people feel unsafe for weeks—this is normal.

Frequently asked questions

Should I touch anything after discovering a break-in?

No. Avoid touching anything and don’t clean up until police have examined the scene. Every surface and item could be evidence. Take photos before anything is moved.

How quickly should I call the police after a burglary?

Call immediately. Report to 101 for non-emergency or 999 if the burglar might still be present. Get a crime reference number as you’ll need this for insurance claims.

Will insurance cover everything stolen in a break-in?

Coverage depends on your policy. Most home insurance covers theft, but there may be limits on individual items and requirements for proof of ownership. Keep receipts and photos of valuables.

How long does it take to feel safe at home after a burglary?

It varies. Many people feel unsafe for weeks or months. upgrading security, changing routines, and speaking to others who’ve experienced burglary can help. Some people benefit from professional support.

Should I clean up before police arrive?

If possible, no. Wait until police have seen the scene or told you it’s okay to clean. If you must touch something for safety, note that you did so.

What if police can’t come for hours?

Take your own photos and notes while waiting. When they arrive, explain what you documented. If they ultimately can’t attend, ask for a reference number to file your report.

Will my premiums increase after a break-in?

Unfortunately, often yes, at least temporarily. However, showing that you’ve improved security post-incident may help moderate increases.

How long will the insurance claim take?

Simple claims may settle within weeks. Complex claims involving disputed values, high amounts, or investigation can take months. Stay in regular contact with your insurer.

Talk it through with the locksmith

Describe the door, get a fixed quote, decide in your own time — no pressure either way.

0333 880 9173 — Standard rate — answered by the locksmith, not a call centre. Send a photo on WhatsApp

• ✓ You’ll have your price in writing before we set off.
• ✓ 8am until midnight, seven days a week

George — owner & working locksmith

Owner & working locksmith, Trulox Ltd · DBS-checked · Serving since 2019

George answers the phone, prices the jobs and works the vans — the advice on this page is how we actually work, written down. More about Trulox.

Trulox · 0333 880 9173 · trulox.co.uk · 8am until midnight, seven days a week