According to the latest reports, for the year ending March 2025, there were around 245,284 residential burglaries recorded across England and Wales. The London area alone saw 52,836 burglaries during the same period — a 6.1% decrease year-on-year, yet still the highest figure of any UK region.
While the numbers show a slight fall, London remains a high-risk area for break-ins. Even more concerning is that around 82% of reported break-ins in the Metropolitan area during 2022–2023 resulted in no suspect being charged. These statistics underline how important it is to protect your property and act quickly after any suspected break-in.
Experiencing a break-in is deeply distressing — not only because of the potential loss of valuables but also due to the lasting impact on your sense of safety. If you ever discover that your home or business has suffered a break-in, it’s vital to act fast and follow the correct steps to secure your property and restore your peace of mind.
Burglar Stealing Items From Bedroom During House Break-In
Do not touch anything. Preserve the scene as much as possible.
Call the Police straight away. You can contact your local police station or, if you believe the intruder might still be on the premises, dial 999 immediately and move yourself to a safer location (for example your car — locked from inside — or a neighbour’s house).
Once the police have attended and you are able to safely re-enter the property, prepare an inventory of what’s missing — again, without disturbing the scene.
If your wallet, bank cards or other financial items have been stolen, contact your bank immediately to cancel the cards and protect your account.
Notify your landlord (if applicable) and your insurance company as soon as possible.
Finally — and this is where we at SMR Locksmiths Ltd come in — call a trusted local locksmith to inspect the door, frame and locks, and carry out any necessary repairs or upgrades.
If your doors or locks have been damaged in a break-in, you will clearly need them repaired or replaced. But even if there’s no visible damage, it’s wise to engage a locksmith for the following reasons:
The burglar may return, particularly if they believe a repeat attempt is feasible.
The locks that failed you may have been inadequate for your security needs – you might benefit from more resistant, higher-specification hardware.
A professional locksmith can carry out a free security assessment, examine the vulnerabilities in your own property (house, apartment, office or even an Airbnb) and recommend appropriate enhancements to secure you for the future.
When choosing a locksmith, look for a local, well-reviewed firm. Check Google reviews, local Facebook pages, or TrustATrader.com for recent feedback. Seek one who specialises in burglary repairs, not just general lock changes. The right professional will care for your safety and your peace of mind, not just install a replacement lock.
To reduce the risk of another break-in, ask your locksmith what the most secure locks currently available in the UK market are. Typically, a trained locksmith will recommend:
A BS3621-compliant, insurance-approved 5-lever mortice deadlock
A high-quality multi-point locking system (especially for uPVC or composite doors)
A robust night latch from a leading brand such as ERA, Ingersoll Rand, Chubb, Union, Yale or MUL-T-LOCK
These types of locks are more resistant to forced entry and may satisfy your insurer’s technical requirements. The locksmith should also inspect your windows: if window locks are missing or damaged (especially important on ground and first floors, or in large cities such as London), you may need to install specialised window security hardware. If your property has uPVC doors/windows, the mechanism may require a locksmith specialising in uPVC mechanisms for proper servicing and upgrades.
Attempting to repair or replace a lock yourself may seem like a quick solution but is often time-consuming and may not offer the full protection you need. After a burglary you already have enough to deal with — from calling the police and insurers to the emotional impact and property disruption. Hiring a professional locksmith is the safer and ultimately more cost-effective choice.
Search online for phrases like “emergency locksmith near me” or “burglary repairs in my area” and select a firm that has verified credentials, insurance, good local reviews and responds quickly. Additionally, consider joining a neighbourhood watch scheme or similar local crime-prevention group to help protect your area from future incidents.
Burglary remains a real concern: for example, London recorded over 52,000 burglaries in the year to March 2025.
A burglarised property is vulnerable again unless security is improved.
A professional locksmith can not only fix immediate damage but upgrade your protection for the long term.
Acting quickly and using the right expertise significantly aids your safety, your insurance position, and your peace of mind.
At SMR Locksmiths Ltd, we understand the upheaval and worry that a break-in brings. Our burglary-repair specialists are trained to arrive fast, assess the damage, recommend the correct locks and security enhancements for your property, and carry out installations with minimal fuss. Your safety is our priority.
If you’d like to arrange an emergency visit or a free security check, please get in touch with us today.
Sources
“The 2025 Burglary Report” (ADT) — London recorded 52,836 burglaries in the year to March 2025.
“UK Burglary Statistics (2025) – A Home Burgled Every 189s!” (Cladco) — estimated 166,577 home burglaries across England & Wales in the year ending March 2025; London Metropolitan area: 34,311. Cladco Profiles
“Crime in London – Statistics & Facts” (Statista) — London crime rate, theft and burglary context. statista.com
Westminster & City of London Liberal Democrats article — concerning unsolved burglary rates (82% unsolved in Metropolitan London 2022-23). westminsterandcityoflondonlibdems.org.uk
