The idea of a break-in can make you feel uneasy in your own home. Even after the police have left and the immediate damage has been dealt with, the feeling of vulnerability can remain. You might be wondering why you have to check locks numerous times before you go to bed, if the locks are strong enough, or how the intruder got inside.

The bad news is, a break-in can likewise be an opportunity to make your home substantially more secure. If you discover the vulnerabilities in your property that helped the intruder in, and strengthen your locks, doors, windows and daily security practices, you can reduce the risk of a repeat.

In France, after a break-in, it is crucial to call a trusted locksmith in France as a first step to getting professional assistance. A professional will be able to examine the damage, secure the property, change any damaged locks and suggest upgrades for your home that are suitable for the situation.

Start by Securing the Property Immediately

After a break-in the first thing you need to do is get your home back into a secure place. If a door, lock, window or other opening has been damaged, do not presume that a temporary fix is adequate.

A broken lock can look OK, but the mechanism inside might not be as secure. Likewise, if the door opens, but the doorframe is forced, it may no longer offer the same level of protection.

Prior to a focus on long-term security enhancements, review:

  • Check to see if the main door locks and latches correctly.
  • If the lock is damaged or forced;
  • If there is a crack or weakness in the frame of the door.
  • If they are not, they might not be.If they're not, they may not be.
  • If spare keys have been lost or stolen

Determine if any access codes or smart-lock credentials must be changed.Decide whether or not access codes or smart-lock credentials are to be altered.

When it is not possible to safely secure your property, an emergency locksmith can help get your property secured quickly. In cases where there is considerable damage or if you are not sure if the lock is still safe to use, it is especially crucial to seek professional help.

Find Out How the Intruder Entered

The first step to securing your home is to know what the weak point is. Has the lock been forced? Did you leave the window open? Could you get an extra key? Could the door be easily pushed or pulled?

The response can contribute to deciding whether or not improvements are need.

For instance, using a different cylinder may be not an effective solution if the original cylinder was of poor quality. Similarly, if the door itself is weak or ill-fitting, an expensive smart lock installation will not necessarily increase the security of the door.

A professional security assessment will be able to tell you how to overcome vulnerabilities like these:

  • Old or worn locks.
  • Weak door frames
  • Poor-quality cylinders
  • Rear or side entry that is not secured.
  • Windows that do not have the appropriate locking devices.
  • Easily accessible spare keys
  • Poor lighting at access areas

One of the benefits of hiring a professional locksmith in Strasbourg after a break in is that they can help you with this. A local security professional will know their way around the property, the typical problems in the area, and will know what solutions are best for the building as opposed to just touting the most expensive product.

Upgrade Your Main Door Lock

The entrance to your home is one of the most crucial places that it has to be safe. If the lock was damaged or was broken during the burglary, using another basic lock might not be sufficient.

Look into getting a more secure locking system that is harder to break into using common methods. This may be a high-security cylinder, a multi-point locking system or some other security solution that has been professionally installed as per your property.

The type you select, however, will depend on your current door. A good lock can be badly fitted and not give the protection you are looking for. The installation of the lock is as crucial as the lock itself.

A professional locksmith can check:

  • State of the door.
  • The robustness of the structure.
  • The type of cylinder that is in place at the moment.
  • The number of locks used.
  • If the door closes and comes to lie properly.

This will give an opportunity to do the security upgrade where it is needed rather than just replacing one component.

Consider Rekeying or Replacing All Compromised Locks

Following a break-in, many homeowners just take notice of the harm done to the entry. But it may be a good idea to think about replacing other locks.

In the event keys are lost, stolen or perhaps perhaps even copied, simply replacing the damaged lock might not be sufficient. It might be possible that someone with those keys might come back later.

In this case, it could be beneficial to:

  • In this situation, replace the leaking cylinder.
  • Rekey compatible locks
  • Replace locks on other outside doors
  • Change locks with keys that are lost.
  • Change access codes on electronic systems.

It is best to assess the situation and use the method that is best. A locksmith can explain to you if it is a good idea to rekey or if full replacement is a better solution for protection.

Strengthen Doors and Door Frames

A solid lock is only as strong as the door and frame it is installed in. Even if the lock is relatively strong, the door may be light enough or the frame damaged to allow an intruder to force his way in.

Look at the entire entrance, not the keyhole.

Look for:

  • Efflorescence along the frame.
  • Loose hinges
  • Damaged strike plates
  • Spaces around the door
  • There were signs of forced entry previously.
  • Screws or fittings that are not secured.

A professional can strengthen weak points and ensure that the locking points engage frame correctly. Sometimes a redo or reinforcement of the door frame is more meaningful than installing a new lock.

Improve Window Security

Not all doors are the only entry points. Basement windows, ground floor windows and upper level windows that are easily accessed can also be a security risk.

If you have had a break-in, inspect all windows around your property. Ensure locks are functional and outside windows are not easily opened.

Further options may be available depending on the type of home you have:

  • Stronger window locks
  • Security film
  • Reinforced glass
  • Restrictor devices
  • Improved window hardware

Right solution will depend on the type and location of the window. Your security assessment should be performed by an expert so you can focus on the areas that require the greatest attention. 

Install Better Exterior Lighting

Home security can be greatly enhanced by the use of good lighting. Intruders like to go where they won't be noticed.

Exterior lights can help illuminate entrances, pathways, garages and side passages. The motion sensitive lights are especially helpful as they can make movement around the house stand out.

Consider lighting:

  • The front entrance
  • Back doors
  • Side passages
  • Garages
  • Driveways
  • Gaps around windows.

Lighting is no substitute for robust locks, it can be part of a wider security plan, but this is the case.

Add Security Cameras or a Video Doorbell

Home monitoring is becoming easier thanks to modern technology. Security cameras and video doorbells can help homeowners keep an eye on what's going on around their property and alert them when they detect movement.

A video doorbell could give you a look outside the door before opening it. In cases of suspicious activity, security cameras can also be useful tools to use for evidence.

Consider the following when setting up cameras:

  • The most susceptible entry points
  • The visibility and positioning of the camera.
  • Night-time visibility
  • Privacy requirements
  • Secure account passwords
  • Regular software updates

Technology is best used in conjunction with physical security. A camera may capture a break-in attempt, but a robust door and lock can stop a burglar from getting in to begin with.

Review Your Spare Key Habits

Many people either store spare keys in places that are obvious, like under a doormat or inside a plant pot, or by the front door. Unfortunately, these places are also well known to the burglars.

If you have broken in, check who has got your keys. If you aren't sure if someone might have made a spare key, it may be best to replace or rekey the lock.

Avoid leaving keys:

  • Under doormats
  • In unlocked outdoor boxes:
  • Near the entrance
  • In obvious garden hiding places

In case someone you trust requires access to your home, a more secure access plan would be the better choice than having a key in an easily found spot.

Secure garages, sheds and second entrance doors.

Secure Garages, Sheds, and Secondary Entrances

They may also lead to other parts of the property. A garage door could be weak or an internal garage door to the house could be a dated lock.

Do a survey of your home and check all potential entry points. This includes:

  • Garage doors
  • Garden gates
  • Basement doors
  • Storage areas
  • Side entrances
  • Balcony doors

Security is to be thought of as an integrated system. If there's another easy door to the property, an extra strong front door is not enough to safeguard the home.

Change Smart Lock and Alarm System Credentials

Check your digital security following a break-in if your home features smart locks, security cameras, alarms, or connected home devices. Change passwords, access codes etc., especially if there might be someone else who knows them. Do not use a simple password or the same password on two or more devices.

It is also wise to:

  • If 2FA is enabled, allow users to go to 2FA.Allow users to switch to 2FA if available.
  • Clean up smart-home accounts of unknown users.
  • Update device software
  • Review connected devices
  • Change the temporary access code.

There is a close relationship between physical security and digital security. While a smart home can be well protected with top-of-the-line locks, it is also susceptible if the smart devices are not protected.

Do Not Forget About Daily Security Habits

Professional security upgrades are essential, but common sense also is crucial.

There are simple things that can help minimize unnecessary risks:

  • Always lock doors, even when you are at home.
  • Close and secure windows when leaving.
  • Don't post holidays out in the open in real time.
  • Don't place valuable items in front of windows that are easily seen.
  • Get trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your property during your absence.
  • Do not leave packages for costly items out.
  • Don't hang keys on doors or windows.

Small habits can have an impact when done consistently.

When Should You Call an Emergency Locksmith?

Routine appointments cannot always address the needs of every post-break-in situation. If the home is not lockable, it may be necessary to seek immediate help.

An emergency locksmith might be required when:

  • Your front door will not lock
  • The key is stuck in the lock cylinder.
  • Lock has been forced or damaged.
  • The door frame has been seriously damaged
  • After a break-in you have lost your keys!
  • You suspect that your keys are lost.
  • Immediate entry to a secured property is necessary.

The focus is on the safe, reliable barrier to be restored as soon as possible. A professional emergency locksmith can evaluate the situation and make the necessary repairs or replacements.

Why Professional Installation Matters

There are many home security products on the market, but quality of installation is important. Locks may not function properly or may fail to function as the manufacturer intended if they were not installed properly.

A competent Locksmith can help ensure that:

  • The lock is compatible with the door
  • The cylinder is properly installed
  • Lock points match up correctly
  • The door closes and latches properly
  • Any damaged components are replaced appropriately

This is especially important after an entry and may relate to more than the visible damage.

Working With a Local Locksmith After a Break-In

When you're stuck in a stressful situation you'll find it easier if you hire a local locksmith. A local professional can often be able to respond more rapidly and give useful information regarding the house and the issue at hand.

KALLAX SERRURIER is a professional locksmith company that offers a variety of services for homeowners in need of a locksmith in Strasbourg. Whether it's an emergency lockout or replacement, professional assistance can help homeowners regain control of their property's security.

You don't just want to fix the problem and move on. Rather, learn from the experience and develop a more robust security plan for future use.

Final Thoughts

While a break-in may be very disturbing and frightening, it also is a great time to improve your home's security. Firstly secure the property, determine how the intruder broke in and deal with the shortcomings that facilitated the break in.