What To Do After a Break-In: Locksmith Advice for Kew Homeowners

a door in Melbourne being broken in to

A home break-in is harrowing, stressful, awful, and it can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure what to do next.

Whether you live in Kew or another suburb around Melbourne, you need to act quickly to secure your home and restore peace of mind.

In this guide, we cover the practical steps you should take after a burglary, including security improvements, insurance, and locksmith tips to prevent it from happening again.

Step 1 – Secure Your Property Immediately

Once you have contact the police and they’ve attended the scene, your next priority is to secure any broken doors, windows, or entry points. This prevents further risk and makes your home insurable.

If your lock has been damaged or bypassed, call a local locksmith to re-secure your door immediately, which leads us to step 2…

Step 2 – Contact a Licensed Locksmith

A professional locksmith can assess how the intruder gained access and recommend immediate security upgrades. In many cases, it may be appropriate to change or rekey your locks, especially if keys were stolen. If you’re unsure about the safety of your current key system, this is the time to upgrade.

Step 3 – Document Everything for Insurance

Take clear photos of damaged locks, doors, and stolen property. Your insurance provider will likely require:
  • Police report number
  • Evidence of forced entry or stolen keys
  • Itemised list of losses and damage
    – Some insurers may not cover claims if there’s no sign of forced entry. We recommend reviewing your policy’s conditions or contacting your insurer directly.

taking photos in a house

Step 4 – Assess and Upgrade Security

Use the break-in as a prompt to reassess your home security. Start by asking:
  • Were all entry points protected?
  • Was there a weak spot (e.g., an old lock, spare key left outside)?
  • Is your current key system outdated?
If your lock system is generic or easily copied, consider upgrading to a restricted key system or modern key system.
You can also read our guide on the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Locksmith to make sure you’re engaging someone trustworthy.

Step 5 – Make Preventative Changes

Post-burglary is the best time to install deterrents:
  • Upgrade to deadbolts or smart locks
  • Add motion-sensor lights
  • Install cameras or visible deterrents
  • Remove spare keys hidden outside

Most break-ins in suburbs like Kew are opportunistic and changes like these reduce your risk dramatically.

As locksmiths based in Kew, we see first-hand how stressful break-ins can be. But we also know that with quick action and the right upgrades, homeowners can bounce back stronger and safer than before. Whether you need emergency lock replacement or rekeying, VicLocks can help.

Call VicLocks for urgent locksmith services, home security upgrades, or free advice.

We’re local, licensed, and experienced in both residential and commercial locksmith services across Melbourne’s inner east.

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📞 Or contact us now to speak with our team directly.