Making a door secure after a break-in in Watford and South West Herts

Is the break-in still happening?

If you think someone is still inside, or you see a break-in taking place, call 999. Do not go in or confront anyone. Wait somewhere safe, such as a neighbour's house or your car, until the police arrive.

How do I report it once it is over?

If the burglary has already happened and nobody is in danger, call 101 or report it online on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website. Every town this site covers is policed by Hertfordshire Constabulary. You will be given a crime reference number. Write it down and keep it safe, because your insurer is likely to ask for it.

If you can, avoid touching or cleaning up around the point of entry until the police have told you whether anyone will come to examine it.

Who should I contact after the police?

• Your home insurer. Many policies ask you to tell them promptly. Some have a claims line that can arrange emergency repairs, and some ask you to keep receipts if you arrange work yourself.
• Your landlord or managing agent, if you rent or own a leasehold flat, since the door or frame may be theirs to repair.
• Your bank and card providers, if cards, chequebooks or documents were taken.
• Your phone or mobile network, if a phone or tablet was stolen, so it can be blocked.

Take photos of the damage before any repair work starts.

What can a locksmith do?

Depending on what was damaged, a locksmith may be able to:

• replace a snapped or forced euro cylinder
• repair or replace a damaged mortice lock, night latch or multipoint mechanism
• refit or replace keeps and strike plates that were torn from the frame
• change locks whose keys were taken in the burglary
• make the door secure for the night while longer repairs are arranged

If the frame is split, a door panel is broken or glass is smashed, the job may need a joiner, a glazier or a door fitter as well.

What is temporary boarding?

When a window or door panel is broken and cannot be repaired straight away, it can be covered with timber boards fixed over the opening. This keeps the weather and intruders out until replacement glass or a new door can be fitted. Some locksmiths offer boarding and some do not, so say in your enquiry whether boarding is likely to be needed.

Should I improve the locks while they are being repaired?

It is worth asking. If the burglar got in by snapping a euro cylinder, a replacement tested to TS 007 can make that much harder: either a 3-star cylinder on its own, or a 1-star cylinder with 2-star security handles. For timber front doors, many insurers expect a mortice deadlock to BS 3621, but policies vary, so check yours. Ask the locksmith to point out the markings on anything they fit.

How can I make the door safe for tonight?

If the lock no longer works and a locksmith cannot come until later, close the door as well as you can and secure it from inside with any bolts that still work. Keep valuables away from the damaged door, and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house if you need to leave. If you do not feel safe staying, it is fine to stay with family or friends until the door is fixed. Do not wedge a door in a way that would stop you getting out quickly in a fire.

Were your keys taken?

If keys were stolen, or a bag containing keys and something with your address, treat those keys as compromised. Have the locks they open changed, including back doors, garages and side gates.

Where can I get support?

A break-in can leave people shaken for some time. In Hertfordshire, free help for anyone affected by crime comes from Beacon, the county's victim care service, whether or not the crime was reported to the police. Hertsmere Borough Council's page on support for victims of crime explains what Beacon offers. Victim Support's national Supportline can also help.

What should I include in the enquiry?

• whether the police have been told, and your crime reference number if you have one
• which doors, locks or windows were damaged
• photos of the damage
• whether keys were taken
• your postcode and a phone number

If you agree, a single locksmith working in your postcode, if there is one, is sent the enquiry. We cannot say when they will be able to come.