Quick answer:
- Safety first: if it may still be in progress, leave and call 911.
- Document everything for police and insurance before you fix anything.
- Rekey or replace compromised locks the same day — we offer 24/7 emergency service.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Safe
If you arrive home to signs of a break-in — a forced door, broken window, or anything out of place — do not go inside. The intruder could still be there. Go to a safe place and call 911. Let the police clear the home before you enter. Your safety matters far more than any belonging.
Step 2: Document Before You Touch Anything
Once police say it’s safe, photograph everything before you start cleaning or repairing — the point of entry, damaged locks or doors, and anything disturbed or missing. You’ll need this for the police report and your insurance claim. Get the police report number; most insurers require it.
Step 3: Re-Secure the Home Immediately
This is where a locksmith comes in. Any lock that was forced, picked, or damaged needs to be addressed now — and if keys may have been taken, every exterior lock should be rekeyed so the old keys are useless. We provide emergency locksmith service 24/7 for exactly this situation: securing a door tonight, not next week.
Damaged hardware usually needs replacement rather than repair, and it’s the right moment to upgrade the weak point that was exploited.
Step 4: Fix the Weak Point That Let Them In
Most break-ins exploit the same handful of weaknesses. Now is the time to close them:
- Upgrade to a Grade 1 deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate
- Add long screws anchoring the strike into the wall stud
- Secure sliding doors with a bar or pin
- Reinforce the door from the garage into the house
- Consider a smart lock with entry alerts
Our deadbolt guide covers which hardware actually resists forced entry.
Step 5: Build Back Confidence
Re-securing the physical doors is the fastest way to feel safe in your home again. Once the immediate work is done, run through our home security checklist to catch anything missed, and keep a locksmith’s number handy. Just In Time Locksmith is here 24/7 at (505) 818-0720 — locally owned, insured, and fast when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you come out the same day after a break-in?
Yes. We treat break-ins as emergencies and offer 24/7 service. We can rekey or replace compromised locks and secure damaged doors right away. Call (505) 818-0720.
Should I rekey or replace my locks after a break-in?
If the hardware is intact but keys may be compromised, rekeying is enough. If a lock was forced or damaged, replace it — and it’s a good time to upgrade the weak point. We’ll advise on-site.
Will my insurance cover new locks?
Many homeowner and renter policies cover lock replacement after a break-in. Keep your receipts and the police report number, and check with your insurer. We can provide an itemized invoice.
Need a locksmith in Albuquerque? Call Just In Time Locksmith at (505) 818-0720 for fast, local, upfront-priced service — or request service online. 24/7 across the metro.