Lock change after a break-in should happen the same day. First call the police and document the damage, then secure the entry that was forced and change or rekey every exterior lock, since keys may have been taken. CallOrange provides same-day lock changes and door repairs in Tempe. Call (480) 847-2635.
Coming home to a forced door or a broken window is upsetting. Beyond what was taken, a break-in leaves your home feeling exposed, especially if a door no longer locks or spare keys are missing. A lock change after a break-in is one of the fastest ways to take back control of your home’s security.
This guide walks Tempe homeowners and renters through seven essential steps, from the first phone call to upgrading the locks that failed. If you need the doors secured right now, call our lock change service.
Lock Change After a Break-In: 7 Essential Steps
1. Make Sure You’re Safe and Call the Police
If you think someone may still be inside, leave and call 911. Once it’s safe, file a police report. You’ll need the report number for insurance, and officers may want to see the damaged door or window before it’s repaired.
2. Document the Damage
Take photos of the forced door, frame, strike plate, lock and any broken glass before anything is repaired. Make a list of missing items, and note whether any keys, garage remotes or key fobs were taken.
3. Secure the Entry Point
A kicked-in door often has a split frame and a strike plate torn out of the wood. We can reinforce the frame, install a heavy-duty strike and a new deadbolt so the door locks again the same day.
4. Change or Rekey Every Exterior Lock
If keys were stolen or you’re not sure, assume someone has them. A lock change after a break-in should cover the front door, back door, garage entry door and any side gates. Rekeying is faster and cheaper when the existing locks are in good condition. Replacing makes more sense when a lock was damaged or is low quality. Our guide to rekey vs. lock change explains the difference.
5. Upgrade Weak Points
Look at how the intruder got in. Common weak points include short strike screws, light-duty deadbolts, sliding doors without secondary locks, and garage entry doors. Upgrades can include a high-security deadbolt, reinforced strike plates, or bump-resistant locks.
6. Reset Codes, Remotes and Smart Locks
Change garage door opener codes, reprogram remotes, and reset any smart lock user codes. If a car key or fob was stolen, have it removed from your car’s memory so it can’t be used.
7. Contact Your Insurance and Keep Receipts
Many homeowner and renter policies cover door repair and lock replacement after a burglary. Keep your invoice and the police report number together for your claim.
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keys stolen, locks fine | Rekey all locks | Fast, old keys stop working |
| Lock forced or broken | Replace lock | Damaged hardware can’t secure |
| Frame split | Frame repair and strike | Door can’t lock without it |
| Low-grade locks | Upgrade to Grade 1 | Better resistance to force |
Renters: Who Changes the Locks?
If you rent in Tempe, tell your landlord or property manager right away. Many leases require the landlord to repair damaged doors and locks, and some require their approval before locks are changed. If the door can’t be secured, most property managers will authorize an emergency lock change. We work directly with landlords and property managers across Tempe.
How Burglars Usually Get In
- Front and back doors kicked in at the strike plate.
- Sliding patio doors lifted off the track or forced at the latch. See our guide to sliding door lock repair.
- Garage entry doors, which often have weaker locks than the front door.
- Unlocked doors and windows, still one of the most common entry points.
- Hidden spare keys under mats, rocks or planters.
Need a lock change after a break-in in Tempe?
We secure forced doors and change or rekey every lock the same day.
Same-Day Lock Change After a Break-In in Tempe
We provide a lock change after a break-in anywhere in Tempe, including the ASU area, Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, Warner Ranch, Lakeshore and South Tempe. See our service areas. For crime prevention tips and to request extra patrols, visit the Tempe Police Department.
Lock Change After a Break-In: Rekey or Replace?
The biggest decision in a lock change after a break-in is whether to rekey or replace. Rekeying changes the pins inside the lock so old keys stop working, and it keeps your existing hardware. Replacing swaps the entire lock for a new one. Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Rekey when the locks weren’t forced, work smoothly and are good quality.
- Replace when a lock was damaged, the brand is low-grade, or you want an upgrade like a smart lock.
- Do both when one door was forced and the others simply need new keys.
Either way, a lock change after a break-in should cover every exterior door so all your keys match again and no stolen key works anywhere.
How Long a Lock Change After a Break-In Takes
For a typical Tempe home with three or four exterior doors, a lock change after a break-in takes one to two hours. Frame repair on a kicked-in door adds time, depending on the damage. We carry common deadbolts, handle sets, strike plates and reinforcement kits, so most homes are fully secured in a single visit.
Why a Lock Change After a Break-In Matters for Insurance
Many insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to secure your home after a burglary. A documented lock change after a break-in, with an invoice listing the work, shows that you acted quickly. Keep the invoice with your police report and photos. If a door or frame was damaged, ask us to list the repair separately so your adjuster can see exactly what was done.
If you’re not sure where to start, call us before you do anything else. We’ll walk you through what to photograph, which doors to secure first and whether your locks can be rekeyed or need replacing. Many Tempe homeowners tell us that simply having a plan makes the first night after a burglary much easier.
A lock change after a break-in also brings peace of mind. Knowing that nobody else has a working key to your home makes it easier to feel safe again.
Other Ways to Secure Your Home After a Break-In
New locks are the most important step, but a few more changes make your home a harder target:
- Lighting: motion lights at the front, back and side yards remove hiding spots.
- Cameras and doorbells: a visible camera discourages repeat attempts and helps police.
- Landscaping: trim bushes near windows and doors so entry points are visible from the street.
- Window locks: add pins or secondary locks to ground-floor windows.
- Garage security: secure the emergency release and never leave the opener in a car parked outside.
- Neighbors: let trusted neighbors know what happened so they can watch for unusual activity.
Burglars sometimes return to the same home, expecting that stolen items have been replaced. Combining a lock change after a break-in with these simple steps makes that far less likely.
Lock Change After a Break-In for Businesses
Break-ins don’t only happen at home. If your shop or office in Tempe was burglarized, the same rules apply: document the damage, secure the entry point and change or rekey every exterior lock. Commercial doors often need a new cylinder, a latch guard or a reinforced strike, and storefronts may need a new narrow-stile deadlock. A lock change after a break-in at a business is also a good time to set up a master key system so you control exactly who can open each door. We handle both residential and commercial jobs across Tempe and the East Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Lock Change After a Break-In
Should I change my locks after a break-in?
Yes. Even if the lock looks fine, keys may have been taken or copied. Rekeying or replacing every exterior lock is the safest choice.
How fast can you change locks after a break-in?
We offer same-day service in Tempe, and many jobs are finished within a few hours of your call.
Is rekeying enough after a burglary?
If the locks weren’t damaged, rekeying is enough to make stolen keys useless. Damaged or low-grade locks should be replaced.
Can you fix a kicked-in door frame?
We can reinforce many split frames and install heavy-duty strike plates so the door locks securely again.
Will insurance pay for a lock change after a break-in?
Many policies cover it. Keep the police report number and your invoice for the claim.
Should I wait for the police before repairs?
If possible, let officers see the damage first, and always take photos before any repair.
What locks are best after a break-in?
ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and 3-inch screws offer strong protection for most homes.
I rent. Can I change the locks myself?
Check your lease and notify your landlord. We often work directly with property managers to change locks the same day.
Should I change garage door codes too?
Yes. Reset opener codes and reprogram remotes, especially if a remote was stolen from a car or the house.
Do you secure doors at night?
Yes. If your door can’t lock, call us and we’ll secure it as quickly as possible.
