How to Safely Respond to a Commercial Break-In

Secure your business after a break-in with guidance from Morayfield Locksmiths. Professional emergency commercial locksmith and security assessment services in Moreton Bay.

Discovering your business has been burglarized is distressing, but proper response protects your property and supports police investigation.

1. Do Not Enter the Property Immediately

If you discover signs of break-in (broken glass, forced doors, or unusual circumstances) before entering, stop at the entrance. Burglars might still be inside, and confrontation risks injury or worse. Immediately call police from a safe location away from the building. Even if you have already entered and discovered the break-in, exit immediately and call police. Your safety is more important than property that may already be stolen. Wait for police to arrive and clear the building before re-entering.

2. Document the Scene Before Disturbing Evidence

Once police clear the building, photograph and video record all damage and disturbance before cleaning or repairing anything. These records support insurance claims and police investigations. Document forced entry points, damaged locks or windows, and areas where property was stolen. Do not disturb potential evidence like tool marks on doors or windows, broken glass patterns, or items left behind by burglars. Police will advise what you can safely touch while preserving their investigation.

3. Call Emergency Commercial Locksmith Service

After police documentation, immediately secure your property against further intrusion. At Morayfield Locksmiths, we provide 24/7 emergency response for commercial break-ins, arriving quickly to secure forced entry points and rekey compromised locks. We understand business security cannot wait, so we prioritize break-in calls to minimize your exposure. Our emergency service includes temporary securing when permanent repairs must wait, ensuring your property stays protected overnight.

4. Assess and Address Security Vulnerabilities

Work with your emergency locksmith to identify how entry was gained and strengthen those specific vulnerabilities. If doors were kicked in, upgrade to commercial-grade deadbolts with reinforced strike plates. If windows were broken, consider security film or bars depending on your premises. Sometimes burglars exploit overlooked entry points like roof hatches or weak rear doors. Our commercial security experience with government agencies, correctional facilities, and diverse businesses helps us recognize vulnerability patterns and recommend effective improvements.

5. Change All Locks and Security Codes

If keys were stolen or might have been copied, rekey all locks immediately rather than only securing the entry point used. Change all alarm codes, safe combinations, and digital access codes, as burglars sometimes gain this information during break-ins. Update access logs to track who enters your property. This comprehensive approach prevents burglars from returning through secured access after you repair obvious damage. Document all changes for your records and insurance claims.

6. Review and Upgrade Overall Security Measures

Use the break-in as opportunity to review your entire security approach. Consider installing or upgrading alarm systems, security cameras, and lighting. Implement access control systems that track entry and limit which employees can access restricted areas. At Morayfield Locksmiths, we provide comprehensive security assessments, recommending practical improvements based on your specific business, location, and budget. Prevention costs less than repeated break-ins and business disruption.

Professional Tip from Morayfield Locksmiths:

Break-ins often target the same business repeatedly once burglars identify vulnerable entry points and valuable inventory. After our emergency response secures your immediate concerns, schedule a thorough security audit. Our 30+ years serving commercial clients including government agencies and correctional facilities has taught us how criminals think and what security measures actually deter them. We provide honest assessments without pushing expensive systems you do not need. We serve businesses throughout Moreton Bay with 24/7 emergency response. Call us at 07 5495 5000 or on mobile at 0413 007 967 immediately after police clear your property, and we will secure your business before going home.