Discovering that your home or business has been broken into is one of the most unsettling experiences a person can face. Beyond the immediate shock, there are critical steps you need to take in the hours and days that follow to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Acting quickly and in the right order can make a significant difference — not just for your insurance claim, but for your long-term peace of mind and security.
At Safe and Secure Locksmith, we’ve helped hundreds of Vancouver-area homeowners, renters, and business owners recover after a break-in. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Do Not Enter the Property
If you arrive home or at your business and suspect a break-in has occurred — a broken window, a forced door, items visible on the ground — do not go inside. The intruder may still be on the premises. Your safety comes first.
Instead:
- Move to a safe location away from the property
- Call 9-1-1 immediately and wait for police to arrive and clear the premises
- Do not touch anything, even if you’re tempted to start cleaning up
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
Once police have confirmed it is safe to enter, your next priority is filing an official report. This is essential for your insurance claim and creates a legal record of the incident.
When speaking with officers, be sure to:
- Provide a detailed list of everything that appears to be missing or damaged
- Note any signs of forced entry (broken locks, kicked-in doors, smashed windows)
- Ask for the report number — you will need this for your insurance provider
- Find out if fingerprints or other evidence will be collected before you touch anything
Step 3: Document the Damage
Before anything is moved or cleaned, thoroughly document the damage. This protects you during the insurance claims process and ensures nothing is missed.
- Photograph every point of entry, damaged locks, broken windows, and any areas disturbed by the intruder
- Video walk-through the entire property
- Create a written inventory of stolen or damaged items, including approximate values where possible
- Check if any security cameras (yours or a neighbour’s) may have captured footage
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your home or business insurance provider as soon as possible after filing your police report. Most policies have a reporting window, and delays can complicate your claim.
Have the following ready when you call:
- Your police report number
- Your photo and video documentation
- Your inventory of stolen or damaged items
- Receipts or serial numbers for high-value items if you have them
Your insurer may send an adjuster to assess the scene, so avoid making permanent repairs until they have visited.
Step 5: Secure Your Property Immediately
Once documentation and insurance notification are handled, your next priority is making your property secure again. Broken locks, damaged doors, and compromised entry points leave you vulnerable to a second incident — which, unfortunately, is more common than most people realize. Our emergency locksmith services are available around the clock across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to get you secured fast.
A professional locksmith can help you:
- Replace or repair damaged locks on all entry points
- Rekey all existing locks — especially important if keys were stolen during the break-in
- Board up or temporarily secure broken windows and doors until repairs can be made
- Assess the overall security of your entry points and make recommendations
Step 6: Evaluate and Upgrade Your Security
A break-in is a difficult experience, but it also presents an opportunity to honestly assess how secure your property is and make meaningful improvements. Many victims of burglary discover that their locks were older, lower-grade hardware that offered little resistance to a determined intruder. Our guide on home burglary prevention and essential lock upgrades is a great place to start.
Security upgrades worth considering:
- High-security locks: Brands like Mul-T-Lock offer significantly greater pick and drill resistance than standard hardware-store locks. See our high-security lock options for what’s available.
- Deadbolts on all exterior doors: If your doors only have knob locks, they need deadbolts
- Smart locks: Allow keyless entry and let you monitor who accesses your property remotely
- Door reinforcement: Strike plates, door jamb reinforcement kits, and security hinges dramatically increase kick-in resistance
- Security cameras and alarm systems: These act as both deterrents and evidence-gathering tools
- Garage security: A commonly overlooked entry point — ensure your garage door lock and side entry are both secured
Step 7: Take Care of Your Mental Health
A break-in is more than a property crime — it’s a violation of your personal space and sense of safety. It is completely normal to feel anxious, unsettled, or reluctant to be alone in the home afterward. These feelings can persist even after all the physical damage has been repaired.
Give yourself time to process the experience. Some steps that can help:
- Talk to trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional
- Take practical steps to restore your sense of security — upgraded locks, better lighting, and a visible alarm system all help
- Connect with neighbours and consider a neighbourhood watch program
Quick Reference: After a Break-In Checklist
- Do not enter — call 9-1-1 and wait for police to clear the property
- File an official police report and get your report number
- Photograph and document all damage before anything is touched
- Contact your insurance provider and begin the claims process
- Call a professional locksmith to restore and secure your entry points
- Evaluate and upgrade your security to reduce the risk of future incidents
- Take care of your emotional wellbeing — it takes time to feel at home again
Need Emergency Locksmith Help in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland?
If you’ve experienced a break-in and need fast, professional help securing your home or business, Safe and Secure Locksmith is available around the clock. Our licensed locksmiths serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, and all surrounding communities.
We can replace damaged locks, rekey your property, and help you identify the right security upgrades to give you lasting peace of mind. Book online or contact us today — we’re here when you need us most.
At Safe and Secure Locksmith, we’ve helped hundreds of Vancouver-area homeowners, renters, and business owners recover after a break-in. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.