Shop Broken Into? What to Do in the First Few Hours

1. Safety first

If you think anyone could still be inside, do not go in. Call 999. Keep staff and customers away from broken glass, especially low panes and the pavement outside.

2. Report it

Report the crime to the police, either on 999 if it is happening now or 101 afterwards. Write down the crime reference number: your insurer will ask for it.

3. Record everything before it is moved

• Photos and a short video of the damage, inside and out.
• What appears to be missing.
• Any CCTV footage, saved before it records over.

4. Make the premises secure

Call an emergency shopfront service to board or temporarily glaze the opening, secure a damaged shutter or change locks if keys may be compromised. A good firm will also clear broken glass and photograph the damage and its own work for your insurer.

Leaving a shop open invites a second break-in and can affect your insurance, so this step should not wait until the next working day.

5. Call your insurer or broker

Tell them what happened, give the crime number and ask what they need. Most commercial policies cover making the premises safe, but the details vary. Keep every receipt.

6. Plan the permanent repair

New glass, locks or shutter parts usually have to be made or ordered. Get the permanent repair measured while the emergency work is done, so the boards come down as soon as possible. It is also a sensible moment to upgrade: laminated glass, a better lock or a shutter where there was none.