Burglary Repairs in Harrow (HA) – Securing Your Property After a Break-in
A burglary leaves you with more than broken glass or a damaged lock. It’s the feeling that your home or premises isn’t safe anymore—and the urgent worry about being left exposed overnight.
If you need burglary repairs in Harrow, Boarding Up Harrow can help you secure the property quickly and properly across the HA postcodes (HA0–HA9). Our role is straightforward: we make the building safe and secure after a break-in by boarding damaged openings, fitting temporary security where needed, and leaving you with clear documentation for your insurer.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5472 for immediate assistance.
When burglary repairs are needed (common break-in damage we see)
After a break-in, the “repairs” that can’t wait are the ones that stop another entry, stop weather getting in, and reduce risk to people and property.
We’re typically called out for:
- Smashed or forced windows (often ground-floor windows, rear extensions, side returns and bay windows)
- Doors forced at the lock area (splintered timber frames, cracked uPVC panels, damaged multi-point locks)
- Patio doors or French doors compromised (glazing popped, handles snapped, frame twisted)
- Shopfront glazing attacked (impact cracks, shattered panels, damaged frames and roller shutter guides)
- Internal common-area doors in blocks of flats (entry systems damaged, door closers broken)
- Repeat targeting risk where the property is vacant, in probate, or between tenancies
If you’re searching for post-burglary boarding in Harrow or “secure property after burglary Harrow”, it usually means there’s an immediate opening or weakened frame that needs stabilising before a glazier or locksmith can carry out permanent works.
If it’s urgent or out of hours, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or call: 020 4634 5472.
First steps after a burglary (before we arrive)
If you’ve just had a break-in, these steps can make the next few hours easier—without putting yourself at risk.
- Make sure everyone is safe and call 999 if the intruder may still be nearby.
- Get a crime reference number from the police (your insurer will usually ask for it).
- Don’t touch areas the police may need (door handles, window frames, disturbed items).
- Take photos if it’s safe to do so, especially of the point of entry and any visible damage.
- If there’s shattered glass, keep people and pets away from the area.
- Call us to secure the building so you can lock up and breathe again.
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we can provide the kind of clear, practical paperwork insurers typically request (invoice, work statement, and site photos).
Need to secure the property tonight? Call 020 4634 5472.
How we secure properties after a break-in (our burglary boarding process)
Every burglary is different. Some are “clean” forced entries with a broken cylinder; others involve heavy impact that cracks frames and leaves unsafe glass. Our aim is always to secure the opening using a method that’s strong, appropriate for the surface, and mindful of what permanent repairs will follow.
1) Triage on arrival: what’s damaged, what’s unsafe, what must be secured
We start by checking:
- Points of entry and secondary vulnerabilities (a back window forced open, a side gate left unsecured, a damaged hinge side on the front door)
- Frame condition (sound enough for fixings, or too split/crumbled to take screws safely)
- Glass hazards (loose shards, blown double-glazed units)
- Access and height (upper-floor windows, rear extensions, narrow side passages)
If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Sometimes the safest approach is a more robust fixing pattern to stabilise the opening; other times it’s better to fit a temporary door solution rather than “fight” a broken frame.
2) Boarding up windows (plywood/OSB sized properly, fixed securely)
For most residential and commercial window openings we use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection (common for larger or higher-risk openings)
- 12mm OSB for smaller apertures or where a lighter board is suitable
We cut boards to suit the opening and fix them using methods appropriate to the reveal and substrate. Where the property is likely to be unattended, we use anti-tamper fixings where appropriate—important because standard external screws can be removed quickly from outside.
If you want more detail on this service, see window boarding in Harrow.
3) Securing damaged doors: boarding, stabilising, or fitting a temporary steel door
Door damage is often where burglary repairs become more complex. A fractured timber jamb or a twisted uPVC frame can make a “quick patch” unreliable.
Depending on the damage, we may:
- Board and brace a compromised door leaf or panel section
- Secure the door opening if the door is no longer safe or functional
- Recommend or install a temporary steel security door for stronger medium-term protection (particularly for vacant properties, repeated targeting, or when a full replacement door is delayed)
Read more about options on our door boarding service page.
4) Shopfront and commercial premises: larger openings, higher visibility, higher risk
For shops, offices and other commercial sites, burglary damage often involves:
- Large glazed panels or double doors
- High footfall areas where the opening is visible from the street
- A need to keep the site compliant and safe for staff/public
We install boarded protection designed for bigger spans and we’ll discuss practicalities like out-of-hours access, alarms, shutters, and whether you need a more robust temporary arrangement.
See shopfront boarding for how we handle commercial glazing.
5) If the property will be empty: stronger, longer-term security
If the building is going to be vacant while repairs are arranged (common after a burglary), we’ll talk you through options such as:
- Upgrading fixings and boarding approach for longer duration
- Security screens for vulnerable windows/doors where repeated attacks are a concern
- Temporary solutions that allow controlled access for contractors
For voids and empty homes, start here: vacant property boarding.
What you can expect when you call us
People often call in the middle of a stressful day—after police have left, when it’s getting dark, or when the next contractor can’t attend for days. We keep the process simple.
When you call 020 4634 5472 we’ll ask:
- The address and HA postcode (e.g., HA1, HA2, HA3 etc.)
- What’s been damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)
- Whether the property is currently occupied
- Any access issues (rear garden access, gated drive, flats with entry systems)
- Whether police have attended and if the scene is released
We don’t quote fixed arrival times—traffic and earlier emergencies vary—but we prioritise insecure properties.
For urgent help, use emergency boarding up.
Insurance and documentation (what we provide, what to keep)
Burglary claims can be paperwork-heavy. While we don’t handle the claim itself, we do provide straightforward evidence of what was done.
You’ll typically receive:
- Itemised invoice describing the work carried out
- Work statement suitable for landlords, managing agents or insurers
- Time-stamped site photos of the damage and the secured openings (where possible and appropriate)
It’s helpful if you keep:
- Your crime reference number
- Any photos you took before works started (if safe)
- Details of any damaged items for your contents claim
More guidance is on our insurance claims page.
Burglary repairs for different property types in Harrow
Harrow’s housing stock and commercial areas are mixed, and the “right” securing approach depends on the building.
Residential homes and flats
From 1930s semis and terraces to modern flats, we see a lot of:
- Rear window entries through gardens
- Forced front doors where locks have been snapped
- Side access vulnerabilities (gates, alleyways)
If you’re a homeowner or tenant, see residential boarding up.
Commercial premises (shops, offices, restaurants)
On busier roads and parades, speed matters because an open frontage is both a safety risk and an invitation.
For business sites, see commercial boarding up and shopfront boarding.
Landlords and managing agents
Between tenancies, burglary risk increases—especially if a property looks unoccupied. We can secure quickly and leave documentation suitable for your file and insurer.
If this applies, read vacant property boarding.
Why boarding up isn’t “just putting a sheet of wood on it”
Done badly, boarding can create new problems: boards pulled off from outside, fixings that split the remaining frame, or a “sealed box” that traps damp after water ingress.
Our focus is to:
- Use the right thickness and material for the opening
- Fix into sound structure (or stabilise where possible)
- Consider security and weather protection
- Leave the site safe for occupants and follow-on trades
If you want a plain-English overview first, read what boarding up means and when it’s used.
FAQs: Burglary repairs & boarding up in Harrow
How quickly can you secure a property after a burglary in Harrow?
We prioritise insecure properties and urgent calls, including evenings and weekends. We can’t promise fixed arrival times, but we’ll give you clear expectations on the phone and keep the process moving.
For urgent situations, use emergency boarding up or call 020 4634 5472.
Is boarding up after burglary covered by insurance?
Often, yes—many policies cover reasonable emergency works to prevent further loss (like securing a smashed window or forced door). Coverage depends on your policy terms and excess. We’ll provide invoices and photos to support your claim. See insurance claims.
Can you secure a uPVC door after the lock has been snapped?
In many cases, yes. The best approach depends on whether the frame is intact and whether the door still aligns properly. Sometimes boarding is suitable; other times a temporary steel door is a safer option until a replacement can be fitted. Start with door boarding.
What if the burglars damaged an upstairs window or a rooflight?
We can secure higher-level openings where access is safe and appropriate. Rooflights and skylights may need boarding and weatherproofing considerations. See roof boarding.
I’m in HA postcode areas—do you cover my location?
Yes—Boarding Up Harrow covers Harrow and surrounding HA districts (HA0–HA9). If you’re unsure, check the areas we cover or call and we’ll confirm.
Next steps: secure the property, then plan permanent repairs
Once the site is secure, you can arrange your longer-term repairs (glazing, locksmithing, replacement doors/frames) without the pressure of an open, vulnerable building. If you’re coordinating multiple contractors—especially for commercial sites—having the property properly secured first makes everything else easier.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5472 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-harrow.co.uk
