The simple answer is a resounding yes. However, many homeowners may not fully understand why it’s essential to change door locks after experiencing a House Burglary. Ensuring that your home is properly secured after such an event is crucial for protecting your property and finances.
CJW Locksmiths delve into the reasons why changing your locks post-burglary is vital. Along with why you should always use a professional locksmith for the job.
Restoring Peace of Mind with Secure Door Locks
A break-in is undeniably an unsettling experience. Knowing that a stranger has rifled through your personal belongings will inevitably leave you feeling vulnerable and anxious.
One way to restore your peace of mind is by changing your locks immediately after a burglary. New locks give you the reassurance that no one else has a copy of the keys. Essentially, this will eliminate the risk of future intrusions.
Beyond changing your door locks, this is also an ideal time to consider upgrading your home security. Adding extra measures like sash jammers, high-security locks, or window locks can provide enhanced protection for your home. Ultimately, this will ensure you that your family will feel safe again.
Your Home Insurance Could Depend on It
Another important factor to consider is your home insurance policy. Many insurance providers require you to change the locks when moving into a new home or after a burglary. If you fail to do so and suffer another break-in, then you will face serious issues when it comes to making a claim.
Insurance companies often demand visible signs of forced entry for a claim to be valid. If the burglar gains access by exploiting a previously weak lock, the insurance company may refuse to pay out. It is essential to review your policy after a burglary and ensure you change all relevant domestic locks.
Securing Your Home Against Future House Burglary
Even if the burglar didn’t damage your locks or gain entry through a different access point like a window, it’s still wise to change your locks. This is because there is no guarantee that the intruder didn’t take or copy a key while inside your home. Even if your locks appear untouched, your home’s security could be compromised if the burglar has a copy of your key.
Consider installing anti-snap and anti-pick locks, which offer superior resistance against common break-in methods. These high-security locks provide an extra layer of protection that standard locks may not offer. You can help ensure your home is as secure as possible by investing in these advanced security features.
Do Burglars Return to the Same House?
Surprisingly, many burglars return to homes they have previously targeted. If they know your security is weak, essentially, they might see your property as an easy target for another attempt. Ultimately, this makes changing your locks, improving your home’s security, and protecting your valuables even more important.
To reduce the risk of a repeat burglary, it is critical to take proactive steps to strengthen your home’s defences. Look to upgrade all compromised locks and consider additional safety measures like security cameras or a burglar alarm system.
Immediate Steps to Take After a House Burglary
In the aftermath of a break-in, your first priority should be to contact the police. They will need to visit your home to collect evidence and issue a crime reference number, which you will need for your insurance claim. A locksmith cannot begin working on your property until the police have finished their investigation, so make the call as soon as possible.
Once the police have cleared the scene, you can move forward with securing your home. This is the time to bolster security measures and repair any damage the intruder may have caused. Consider installing letterbox guards, door reinforcement bars, or even upgrading to a smart home security system.
Before notifying your insurance company, make an inventory of everything that was taken. Above all, this step helps streamline the claim process and prevents any delays in compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Door Locks?
The cost of changing door locks can vary based on several factors. For example, the type of lock, the level of security it offers, and the specific time. Ultimately, all of these considerations play a role in determining the final price.
In general, the cost of calling out a locksmith during standard business hours will be lower. This is as opposed to any emergency service call out at night or on the weekend. Additionally, certain high-security locks may come at a higher price than standard models due to their advanced features and improved security.
For an accurate estimate, it is always a good idea to get a quote from your local locksmith before proceeding.
Keep in mind that while high-security locks may have a higher upfront cost. Ultimately, they are certainly a worthwhile investment for the added protection they provide.
Final House Burglary Solutions
Changing your locks after a burglary is an essential step you can take to secure your home. Beyond restoring your peace of mind, it ensures that no one else has access to your property. By enhancing all safety measures, you will make it much harder for burglars to target your home again.
For professional lock changes, repairs, and home security advice, then contact CJW Locksmiths. Our experienced team can help you choose the right security solutions to keep your home safe and secure.