A break-in can leave you feeling shaken and unsure what to do next. Taking the right steps quickly can help secure the property, reduce the risk of more damage, and bring back peace of mind.
This guide explains what to do after break ins, how to protect your property, and when a boarding up service may be needed for broken windows, doors, and other entry points.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Safety comes first. Check on all people in the home or business and ensure nobody is injured. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services straight away. Even if nobody is physically harmed, the incident can be upsetting. Stay calm, stay together, and keep a safe distance from the building if you think intruders may still be inside. Do not go back in if anything looks dangerous. In that situation, call the police and wait in a safe area. If this happened at business premises, follow your workplace plan for emergencies. Move staff and customers away from broken glass and any unsafe location, and keep the area clear until the police arrive.
Call the Police and Get a Report Number
Once everyone is safe, call the police and report the incident. This is important for safety and security, and it is also essential for insurance. The police may send officers to check the scene and look for signs of entry.
Try not to touch anything, including doors, windows, locks, or items that may have been moved. This helps the police if they need to collect evidence. Ask for the incident or crime reference number and keep it safe. You may need to send it to your insurer later.
Document the Damage With Clear Photos
After the police say it is safe to go back inside, document the damage. Take photos in good light and from more than one angle. Include broken windows, broken glass, damaged doors, the front door if it was forced, and any broken locks. Also photograph messy areas, missing items, and any signs of vandalism.
These photos are vital. They help you understand the full situation and they support your insurance claim. They also make it easier to plan repairs, check costs, and explain what work is needed.
Secure the Property Straight Away
Next, secure the property to prevent more harm. Leaving a broken door or window open increases the risk of more theft and damage, and it exposes the building to the elements. This is why emergency boarding is often recommended, especially when there are broken windows and doors. If you can do it safely, cover the opening with strong boards. Plywood is often used because it is tough and easy to fit. Use the right materials, and make sure the board is fixed firmly so it cannot be pushed in. A loose board can be dangerous and may not be effective.
Be careful around broken glass. Do not rush. Take the time needed to keep everyone safe and avoid injuries. If the damage is large, if the window frame is unstable, or if you cannot safely reach the area, it is better to use professionals.
Choosing the Right Boarding Method
Boarding should be a temporary measure, but it still needs to be secure. The type of boarding depends on the type of window or door, and on the level of risk in the area. A ground-floor window may need stronger fixing than an upstairs window. A shopfront may need a different approach than a home. In some cases, boards can be fixed from the outside to cover the full opening. In other cases, it may be safer to fit the board inside the frame. The aim is always the same: secure the property and block easy access for burglars.
If you live in the UK and the property is in a busy public location, you may also need to think about passers-by. A sharp edge, loose board, or unstable glass can cause harm. Keeping the area clear and safe is an important measure while you arrange repairs.
When to Use Boarding Up Services
If you do not have the tools, if the materials are not available, or if you are worried about making things worse, contact a boarding up service. Boarding up services can provide a quick, safe response and help with securing windows and doors properly. Many offer 24/7 support, which can be vital after a break-in, especially outside normal working hours.
A professional boarding up service can also reduce the chance of further incidents. They will know how to cover entry points, choose suitable boards, and fit them to a high security standard.
If you need help, you can contact us or call us to arrange emergency boarding. It also helps to keep an email address for the service and your insurer saved somewhere easy to find, so you can contact us quickly if something happens again.
Extra Steps for Vacant Properties
Vacant properties and vacant property locations can face a higher risk because they may look unprotected. If the break-in happened at a property that is empty, or if you need to leave it empty while repairs are completed, take extra care. Make sure doors and windows are boarded and locks are secure. Ask a trusted person to check the premises each day if possible, and consider extra lighting or an alarm system. The goal is to protect your property and prevent intruders from coming back.
Contact Your Insurer and Keep Records
As soon as you can, contact your insurance provider. They may ask for photos, the police report number, and details of the damage. Keep notes of dates, times, and what was taken or damaged. This helps you stay organised and can speed up the process.
Ask what repairs they will cover, what costs you may need to pay, and whether they require a specific service or approved professionals. If they ask you to send documents, keep copies of everything you send.
Arrange Repairs and Plan for the Long Term
Boarding is usually temporary, so you should arrange repairs soon. A boarded window or boarded door can keep the property secure for a short time, but it is not the same as a full repair.
Look for a clear plan that covers both the repair work and improvements to security. This might include replacing damaged frames, fitting stronger locks, and upgrading weak entry points. For businesses, you may also need to repair shutters, tills, displays, and any damaged stock, so you can return to normal work.
If you are worried about future incidents, talk to experienced professionals about long term options. Stronger doors, better window locks, and improved lighting can all be effective. The right choice depends on the property type, the location, and what was targeted during the incident.
Review Your Security After the Incident
Once the property is secure and repairs are booked, review your security with a fresh mind. Many people only spot weak areas after a break-in. Walk around the home or premises and check all windows and doors, including side doors, back doors, and less-used entry points.
If you have an alarm system, test it and check it is working. Consider adding a camera, upgrading locks, and using better outside lighting. These steps can help protect your property, reduce risk, and improve peace of mind for everyone who lives or works there.
Take Care of Yourself Too
A break-in is stressful, and it can take time to feel safe again. Talk to someone you trust, and consider extra support if you feel anxious. While security and boarding are important, your wellbeing matters as well. Feeling safe in your home or business is part of getting back to normal.
John's Glass and Glazing provides fast, secure, and reliable window boarding services across Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and West Yorkshire. Whether it’s storm damage, a break-in, or a vacant property, our experienced team is here 24/7 to help you protect what matters most.
