Experiencing a break-in or act of vandalism can be a deeply unsettling event, especially when it results in damage to your home or business. Whether it’s a smashed window, forced door, or broken locks, it’s vital to act quickly to secure your property and restore peace of mind. If you live in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, here are the steps you should take immediately following such an incident.
1. Contact the Police
Before you do anything else, report the break-in or vandalism to the police. Try not to touch or move anything until officers arrive, as they may need to gather evidence such as fingerprints or photographs. Once your report has been logged, you should receive a crime reference number—keep this safe, as you’ll need it for insurance purposes.
2. Assess the Damage
Once the authorities have given the all-clear, assess the damage to your windows, doors, and locks. Check whether entry points have been forced, glass has been smashed, or locks have been broken. In many cases, the damage may leave your home insecure and exposed to the elements or further risk.
3. Secure Your Property with Emergency Boarding-Up
One of the most urgent tasks after a break-in or act of vandalism is making your property secure again. This is where local 24-hour locksmiths can be a vital resource. Many emergency locksmiths in Ellesmere Port including Lockmate offer emergency boarding-up services, designed to temporarily cover broken windows and doors with secure boards to prevent further access or weather damage.
This service is available around the clock, giving you peace of mind no matter the time of day or night. Whether you’re dealing with shattered glass or a compromised door frame, a professional boarding-up service will ensure your home or business is protected until permanent repairs can be arranged.
4. Replace or Repair Locks
In addition to boarding up damaged areas, a locksmith can also repair or replace any broken locks. If there’s concern that your keys may have been stolen, rekeying or replacing locks entirely is strongly advised to maintain security.
5. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your home or business insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the crime reference number and any documentation related to the damage or emergency services you’ve used. Some insurance policies may cover the cost of boarding-up and locksmith services, so keep all receipts.
6. Plan for Permanent Repairs
Once your property is temporarily secured, plan for permanent repairs to doors, windows, and frames. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need a glazier, carpenter, or general contractor. Lockmate can also recommend trusted local tradespeople in the Ellesmere Port area.
Trusted Local Help in Ellesmere Port
So… If you’re based in Ellesmere Port and need urgent help after a break-in, remember that Lockmate Locksmiths, Ellesmere Port offer fast, reliable emergency boarding-up services alongside lock repairs and replacements. Acting quickly not only restores your home’s security but also helps you feel safe again.
Always choose a reputable, insured, and DBS-checked locksmith to carry out any emergency or repair work on your property.