What to Do After a Break-In

A break-in is stressful and disorienting. This guide walks you through the most important steps — from securing yourself to restoring your home's security.

Step 1 — Make Sure You're Safe

If you come home and suspect a break-in (door forced open, window broken, things disturbed), do NOT go inside. Call 911 from outside or a neighbor's home. If you're already inside when you discover it, leave immediately and call from a safe location.

Your safety is the priority — property can be replaced.

Step 2 — Call the Police and File a Report

Call the local non-emergency line (or 911 if the intruder may still be nearby). File an official report — you'll need the report number for insurance claims. Don't touch or move anything until police have documented the scene.

Step 3 — Document the Damage

Once police clear the scene, photograph everything: forced entry points, damaged locks, broken windows, ransacked rooms, missing items. Make a written list of stolen items with approximate values. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim and for your locksmith to understand what needs to be secured.

Step 4 — Secure Your Entry Points Immediately

This is where a locksmith comes in. After a break-in, you need to act fast to re-secure your home:

If locks were forced or damaged: You need a full lock change — the lock hardware is compromised and can't be trusted.
If locks weren't physically damaged but the intruder may have copied keys: Rekeying is faster and changes the key combination without replacing hardware.
If a door or frame was damaged: The locksmith can assess whether the strike plate, deadbolt, or frame needs reinforcement.
Consider upgrading: Higher-security cylinders (bump-resistant, pick-resistant) at the same time for added peace of mind.

Step 5 — Upgrade Your Security Going Forward

Once the immediate threat is handled, think about longer-term improvements:

Smart locks with keyless entry and activity logs
Deadbolts on all exterior doors (if not already present)
Reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws into the door frame
Window locks and sliding door security bars
Motion-activated exterior lighting
Security cameras or a monitored alarm system (outside locksmith scope, but worth mentioning)

Step 6 — Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider. Provide the police report number and your documentation. Most policies cover lock replacement and damaged entry points after a verified break-in. Keep receipts from your locksmith for reimbursement.

When to Rekey vs. Replace After a Break-In

Rekey if: Locks are physically intact, you just need to invalidate old keys, budget is a concern.

Replace if: Locks are damaged, you want to upgrade to higher-security hardware, locks are old and worn.

Learn more about how rekeying works

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