Coming home to a forced door is frightening. This checklist walks you through the first hours in the right order, so nothing important is missed and your home is secure again by tonight. It applies to flats, landed homes, shops and offices.
1. Make sure you're safe
If you think someone may still be inside, don't go in. Move somewhere safe and call the police on 999. Wait for them before entering.
2. Don't touch or tidy anything
It's natural to want to clean up, but leave the scene as it is until the police have seen it. Fingerprints and marks on the door, lock and frame can help an investigation.
3. Report it to the police
If it's an emergency or happening now, call 999. Otherwise you can make a police report afterwards, online through the Singapore Police Force's e-services or at a Neighbourhood Police Centre. Ask for the report number: your insurer will want it.
4. Photograph everything
Take clear photos of the damaged door, lock, frame and windows, and of each room as you found it. Photos help the police, your insurer and the locksmith who'll repair the door.
5. List what's missing
Write down what was taken, with serial numbers, receipts or photos where you have them. Check whether spare keys, key fobs, access cards or a car key are missing. If they are, the locks they open need changing too.
6. Call your insurer
If you have home contents or business insurance, call them early. Ask what they need (usually the police report number, photos and a list of losses) and whether they cover the cost of repairing doors and changing locks.
7. Secure your home the same day
A forced lock may still look fine but won't hold. Replace it, even if it seems to work. If keys were stolen, change every lock those keys open: main door, gate, letterbox and back door.
- Damaged main door lock or gate lock: we replace it the same visit. See lock replacement.
- Upgrading: many people switch to a digital or smart lock after a break-in, so there are no keys to steal and they can change the code at any time.
- Safe tampered with: don't keep trying it. A safesmith can open it and assess the damage.
Uncle Thomas Locksmith works 24/7 islandwide. We confirm the price before we start, and every lock replacement comes with our no-expiry warranty.
8. Look after yourself
A break-in can leave people shaken for days. Let family or colleagues know, and don't hesitate to talk to someone about it. Making the home feel secure again, with new locks and a clear plan, often helps a lot.
Making a repeat less likely
- Change locks when you move in, and whenever keys go missing.
- Keep spare keys with family, not under the mat or in the letterbox.
- Close and lock the gate as well as the door.
- Consider a door viewer or camera, and good lighting outside landed homes.
Need your locks changed today? Call or WhatsApp 9224 9224, 24/7, anywhere in Singapore.