Rekeying vs Lock Replacement After a Break-In: What Should You Do?
Your home was broken into — now what? Understanding whether to rekey or fully replace your locks after a burglary can save you money while maximizing your security.
Immediate Steps After a Break-In
A break-in is a traumatic event. After ensuring everyone is safe and calling the police, securing your home should be your immediate priority. But what exactly should you do about your locks?
First: Assess the Damage
After a break-in, inspect every entry point. Common damage includes:
- Broken door frame or strike plate
- Damaged deadbolt mechanism
- Broken window locks
- Forced or pried lock cylinders
When Rekeying Is Sufficient
If the burglar entered through a window, a glass panel, or by kicking in the door frame (but the lock mechanism itself is intact), rekeying may be all you need for the actual lock. However, you'll still need to repair the door frame and upgrade your strike plate.
When Full Replacement Is Necessary
If the lock was physically damaged during the break-in — picked, drilled, or broken — it must be replaced. A compromised lock mechanism cannot be relied upon even if it appears to work. Additionally, if your existing locks are low-grade hardware, a break-in is the perfect motivation to upgrade to Grade 1 security locks.
What Else Should You Change?
- Door frame reinforcement: Most break-ins happen by kicking in the door frame, not picking the lock. Install a steel door frame reinforcement kit.
- Strike plate upgrade: Replace the basic strike plate with a heavy-duty box strike using 3-inch screws into the stud.
- Secondary locks: Add a door chain or security bar for additional nighttime security.
Emergency Response Available 24/7
Provo Locksmith UT provides emergency post-break-in services across Salt Lake Valley. We'll secure your home the same day. Call (385) 283-6134 any time of day or night.