Break-in Repair London
Been burgled? We secure your property fast with emergency lock replacement, door repair, and security upgrades. 24/7, 25-minute response.
Break-in Repair Services
After a break-in, our locksmiths secure the property, replace forced or damaged locks, and upgrade security to reduce the risk of a repeat. Emergency door opening starts from £79 and mechanism repair from £99; we are available 24/7 with a 25-minute response target and no call-out fee. To understand how burglars typically gain access, read our guide on how burglars break into houses in London, and to see the locks that resist them best, see our overview of high-security locks and when you need them.
A break-in is a distressing experience, and the risk of a repeat burglary is at its highest in the days that follow. Our priority is to secure your property quickly so you feel safe again. We provide comprehensive burglary repair services across London, including same-day emergency boarding up, lock change and replacement, forced-door repair, and security upgrades to help prevent it happening again. For practical advice on the days after an incident, read our guide on how to protect your house after a break-in.
Emergency Lock Replacement
Immediate replacement of all compromised locks with high-security alternatives. We fit BS3621 deadlocks and anti-snap cylinders that meet insurance requirements and resist common break-in methods.
Door, Frame & Mechanism Repair
Repair of doors and frames damaged during forced entry: split timber frames, broken panels, torn-out hinges, bent multipoint mechanisms, and damaged uPVC and composite doors. If a door slab cannot be saved, we secure the opening and advise on a like-for-like replacement that satisfies your insurer.
Security Upgrades
Prevent future break-ins with upgraded security. We fit London Bar and Birmingham Bar reinforcement, hinge bolts, strike and reinforcement plates, key-operated window locks, door chains and viewers, and anti-snap cylinders. Our locksmith provides a free on-site security assessment and can talk you through insurance-approved lock standards.
Temporary Boarding
If windows or glass panels have been smashed, we provide emergency boarding to secure your property overnight while permanent repairs are arranged.
Steps to Take After a Break-in
Call Police
Report the burglary and get a crime reference number for your insurance claim.
We Secure
We replace locks, repair damage, and make your property safe again.
Claim
Use our itemised invoice with your crime reference for your insurance claim.
Emergency Boarding Up After a Break-in
When a window has been smashed, a door kicked in, or a uPVC panel splintered, the priority is to make the property secure and weatherproof so it cannot be left open overnight. We board up homes and businesses across London 24/7, and in most cases repair or replace the lock or door on the same visit so we rarely need a return trip.
When boarding up is needed
Smashed windows, kicked-in or forced doors, broken glass panels, splintered uPVC, or any property left insecure after an incident or attempted entry.
Materials we use
18mm exterior-grade plywood fixed with anti-tamper screws, secured from inside the property where possible. Metal boarding is available for higher-risk or longer-term securing.
How we board up your property
Make the area safe and clear away broken glass.
Measure and cut boards to fit the opening precisely.
Fix the boards securely, from inside where possible.
Leave the property secure and weatherproof.
Boarding up is a temporary measure while a permanent door, window or glass replacement is arranged. If you are simply locked out of your house rather than dealing with damage, we can gain entry without breaking anything.
Repairing a Forced or Damaged Door
Forced entry leaves a predictable trail of damage: split timber frames, bent multipoint locking mechanisms, torn-out hinges, snapped euro cylinders, and damaged uPVC or composite door slabs. Wherever possible we repair on site in a single visit. When a door slab or frame is beyond economical repair, we secure the opening and advise on a like-for-like replacement that satisfies your insurer.
What we repair on site
Realigning and repairing frames, replacing snapped cylinders and damaged multipoint gearboxes, refitting or replacing hinges, and refitting strike and keeps so the door closes and locks correctly.
Reinforcement against future kick-ins
A London Bar strengthens the lock and latch side, while a Birmingham Bar protects the hinge side. Hinge bolts and reinforcement plates further harden timber doors and frames.
For damaged uPVC and composite doors, see our dedicated uPVC locksmith services, or arrange a full replacement through our door lock installation service.
Security Upgrades to Prevent a Repeat Break-in
Burglars often return to a property they have already targeted, and the risk is highest in the days immediately after an incident. Securing your home the same day, and upgrading weak points while we are there, is the single most effective way to reduce that risk. Every job includes a free on-site security assessment.
Insurance-grade hardware
BS3621 deadlocks on external doors, anti-snap 3-star (TS007) or Sold Secure euro cylinders, key-operated window locks, and patio and sliding-door locks.
Everyday peace of mind
Door chains and viewers so you can answer the door safely, plus the option of a smart lock for keyless access and monitoring through our door lock installation service.
For a deeper guide to the standards your insurer looks for, see our overview of insurance-approved lock standards, or book new high-security door locks and smart locks.
Burglary Repair Pricing & Insurance Claims
Boarding up and door repairs are quoted on site once we have assessed the damage, because cost depends on the size of the opening and the materials needed. The quotation is always free, with no obligation and no call-out fee, and the exact price is confirmed before any work begins. For lock and door-opening work our published starting rates are a useful guide.
| Emergency Door Opening | From £79 |
| Lock Change (labour) | From £69 |
| Lock Re-key | From £55 |
Prices ex VAT. See our full price list for all rates.
Most home and building insurance policies cover lock replacement and door repair after a burglary. We provide a fully itemised invoice and report you can submit with your claim, alongside your crime reference number. Check your policy before authorising non-urgent upgrades, and remember that leaving a property insecure can affect your cover, so prompt professional securing helps you stay compliant. Need a figure now? Get a free quote or call 020 4524 6667.
Commercial & Shopfront Break-in Repairs
We attend shops, offices and other commercial premises 24/7, so trading can resume as quickly as possible. We secure aluminium and steel doors, repair or replace commercial multipoint locks, refit panic and push bars, and board up shopfronts while glazing is arranged. Fast securing protects your stock and helps you meet commercial insurance requirements after an incident.
Find out more about our commercial and shopfront break-in repairs for businesses across London.
Lock & Door Replacement After Police Forced Entry
We also secure and repair properties after lawful police forced entry under a warrant or welfare check. The Met may arrange emergency boarding through its contractor for warranted entries, but it does not carry out permanent repairs. We handle the permanent lock and door replacement discreetly, with fast attendance to make the property secure again. Call us for an emergency locksmith when you need the property made good quickly.
Why Londoners trust City Locksmith
Fully insured, DBS-checked engineers with 15+ years securing London homes and businesses - no call-out fee, with the price agreed up front.
Non-destructive entry
We open without damage where possible
DBS-checked engineers
Background-vetted technicians
Fully insured
Comprehensive public liability cover
15+ years
Serving London since 2008
24/7, 365 days
Day, night, weekends, bank holidays
No call-out fee
Free quotes, price agreed up front
Every job is carried out by an insured, DBS-checked engineer, with a fixed, all-inclusive price agreed before any work begins - no call-out fee and no surprises on the doorstep.
Break-in Repair FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our locksmith services.
What should I do immediately after a break-in?
How quickly can you secure my property after a burglary?
Can you repair a door damaged during a break-in?
What security upgrades do you recommend after a burglary?
How much does it cost to board up a window or door after a break-in?
What materials do you use to board up a property?
Do you replace smashed glass and windows after a burglary?
Will my home insurance cover burglary repairs and lock changes?
Do you repair break-ins at commercial premises?
Can you secure my home after the police forced entry?
What our customers say
Real jobs, real Londoners. A few words from people we have helped.
Came back from holiday to a forced front door. They came out fast, made it secure the same evening so we could sleep, then came back to fit a proper anti-snap setup. Took a horrible situation and made it manageable.
Boarded up a smashed glass panel the same night and arranged the lock repair for the morning. Calm and kind when I was in a state. Genuinely could not have asked for more.
Someone tried the back door and damaged the mechanism. They explained what insurance would want, gave me an invoice with the details and fitted BS3621 locks. Sorted it properly, not a bodge.
After an attempted break-in the frame was split and the lock hanging off. The engineer repaired the door, reinforced the strike plate and upgraded the lock all in one visit. Felt safe again that night.
Reliable from the first phone call to the finished job. No drama, no mess, fair money. Recommended them to two neighbours already and both were happy too.
Second time I've used City Locksmith and same good experience both times. On time, polite, knows their trade and charges fairly. Saved their number in my phone now.
Quick to answer, quick to arrive, and the engineer clearly took pride in the job. Explained everything in plain English without talking down to me. Hard to find these days.
Old school service with a modern setup. Booked easily, kept me updated on timing, and did a thorough job. The sort of tradesman you actually want to come back.
Friendly, fast and honest, which is all you really want from a locksmith. Sorted my problem the same day and didn't make me feel daft for the mistake that caused it. Top marks.
Phoned at 2am when I got back from a flight and the door wouldn't open. They actually answered, no answerphone nonsense, and had someone out fast. Tidy, friendly, no mess. Would use again without thinking.
Been burgled? Call now for emergency help
We secure your property fast with new locks and door repairs. 24/7, 25-minute response across London.
Call 020 4524 6667