Quick answer: After a break-in, call the police first, then change locks after a break-in as soon as officers are done. If the lock or frame was forced, replace the hardware and reinforce the strike; if keys were stolen but the locks work, rekeying may be enough. We offer same-day emergency service across Tucson. Call (520) 277-2128.
Coming home to a forced door or a broken window is one of the worst feelings a homeowner can have. Beyond the loss, there is a simple, urgent question: is the house secure tonight? This guide walks you through what to do first, when to rekey versus replace, how to strengthen weak spots and why it is so important to change locks after a break-in. When you are ready, our lock change service can secure your home the same day.
7 Urgent Steps After a Break-In
1. Make sure you are safe
If you think someone may still be inside, leave and call 911 from a safe place. Do not enter until police clear the home.
2. File a police report
Officers will document damage and missing items. You will need the report number for insurance. You can find non-emergency contacts through the City of Tucson website.
3. Document everything
Take photos of damaged doors, frames, locks, windows and any missing property before cleanup.
4. Check every entry point
Burglars often test more than one door or window. Look at the front door, back door, garage entry, sliders and side gates.
5. Find out whether keys were taken
Spare keys in drawers, car keys and garage remotes are common targets. Stolen keys mean every lock they open is at risk.
6. Change locks after a break-in
Damaged or forced hardware must be replaced. Locks that still work but match stolen keys should be rekeyed. We can do both on the same visit.
7. Call your insurance company
Many policies cover lock replacement and door repair after a burglary. Keep your locksmith invoice for the claim.
Rekey or Replace After a Break-In?
| What happened | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Door kicked in, lock damaged | Replace + reinforce | Damaged parts cannot be trusted |
| Keys stolen, locks undamaged | Rekey | Old keys stop working, lower cost |
| Lock picked or bumped | Upgrade lock | Choose pick and bump resistant models |
| Sliding door forced | Add secondary locks | Factory latches are weak |
| Garage remote stolen | Reprogram + rekey entry | Garage gives access to the house |
Not sure which applies? We inspect each door and give you honest options. Sometimes the best choice is to change locks after a break-in on the damaged door and rekey the rest so one new key opens everything. Our rekey service makes that simple.
How Burglars Usually Get In
Understanding how homes are entered helps you decide what to fix. Most residential burglaries involve one of these:
- Kicking the front or back door: short strike plate screws and weak frames give way.
- Unlocked doors and windows: still one of the most common entry points.
- Sliding patio doors: lifted off their tracks or forced at the latch.
- Garage entry doors: often left unlocked because the garage door is closed.
- Stolen or hidden keys: under mats, rocks or planters.
Need to Change Locks After a Break-In?
We provide same-day emergency lock changes and door reinforcement across Tucson.
Make Your Doors Stronger, Not Just New
When you change locks after a break-in, the lock is only part of the solution. A kicked door usually fails at the frame, not the deadbolt. Ask about these upgrades:
- Reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws that reach the wall stud.
- Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts with a full 1-inch throw.
- Door jamb reinforcement kits for frames that split.
- Hinge screws upgraded to long screws as well.
- Secondary locks or bars for sliding doors.
- High security cylinders that resist picking, bumping and unauthorized copying. Learn more about high security locks.
Consider Smart or Keypad Locks
Many families decide to upgrade when they change locks after a break-in. Keypad and smart locks remove the need for hidden spare keys and let you see when doors are opened. If you are interested, read our guide to smart lock installation in Tucson.
What to Expect During Our Visit
When you call us to change locks after a break-in, we know you are stressed, so we keep the process simple and clear. Our technician starts with a walk-around of every exterior door, the garage entry and any sliding doors. We look for forced strikes, bent bolts, split frames, loose hinges and pry marks. You get an honest summary of what must be replaced today, what can be rekeyed and what is optional.
Next, we secure the most vulnerable door first. If the frame is split, we install a reinforcement kit or a temporary solution so the door closes and locks tonight. Then we install new deadbolts or rekey the remaining locks, set them to one new key if you want, and test each door several times from inside and out. Before we leave, we hand you the new keys, explain how to use any new hardware and give you an invoice you can submit to your insurance company. Most homes are secure in one to two hours.
Renters, Landlords and HOAs
If you rent, tell your landlord or property manager right away. Arizona leases often require written approval before you change locks, but most landlords will approve an emergency lock change after a burglary and ask for a copy of the new key. Landlords who change locks after a break-in quickly protect both the tenant and the property. If your home is in an HOA community with shared gates or mail areas, let the HOA know too, especially if keys or gate remotes were stolen.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
A break-in affects more than property. Many people feel uneasy at home for weeks afterward. Small changes help restore a sense of control: new locks, better lighting, a simple camera at the back door and a family plan for who locks up at night. Knowing that every old key is useless and every door is reinforced is one of the most reassuring steps you can take.
What Affects the Cost?
We give you a clear quote before we start. The total depends on:
- Number of doors that need new hardware or rekeying.
- Damage to the frame and door, which may need repair before a new lock can be installed.
- Hardware level: standard, high security or smart locks.
- Reinforcement: strike plates, jamb kits and sliding door locks.
- Emergency timing: nights, weekends and holidays.
What Not to Do
- Do not wait until the weekend to secure a damaged door.
- Do not reinstall a lock that was forced, even if it seems to work.
- Do not keep using the same keys if any were stolen.
- Do not hide a new spare key outside.
- Do not post about the break-in or your travel plans on social media.
Securing Tucson Homes
Many Tucson homes have back doors and patio sliders facing private yards and washes, which give burglars cover. Block walls and desert landscaping can hide entry points from neighbors. After you change locks after a break-in, consider motion lighting, trimming shrubs near windows and adding a camera that covers the back door and side gates.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We help homeowners change locks after a break-in in Drexel Heights, South Tucson, Flowing Wells, Rita Ranch, Tanque Verde, Catalina Foothills and Sam Hughes. See our service areas. If you are locked out because of damage, our home lockout service can help immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Locks After a Break-In
How soon should I change locks after a break-in?
As soon as police finish their work, ideally the same day. A damaged or compromised door leaves your home exposed.
Should I rekey or replace after a burglary?
Replace any lock or hardware that was forced or damaged. Rekey locks that work but may match stolen keys.
Does insurance pay to change locks after a break-in?
Many homeowners and renters policies cover it. Check your policy and keep the locksmith invoice and police report.
Can you repair a kicked-in door frame?
We can install reinforcement plates and strike kits. Severely split frames may need a carpenter or door replacement.
What locks are best after a break-in?
Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts with reinforced strikes, and high security or smart locks for added protection.
Do you offer emergency lock changes at night?
Yes. We provide emergency service so you can change locks after a break-in without waiting for business hours.
Should renters change locks after a break-in?
Renters should contact their landlord right away. Many landlords will authorize an emergency lock change.
Should I change the garage door code too?
Yes, if a remote was stolen or the garage was accessed. Also secure the door between the garage and the house.
Can one key open all my new locks?
Yes. We can key all compatible locks alike so one new key opens every exterior door.
How can I prevent another break-in?
Reinforce strikes, use quality deadbolts, secure sliders, add lighting and cameras and never hide spare keys outside.
