The police have taken a report. The boarded window or damaged door is still there. The next 72 hours matter - not for perfection, but to make the property secure again and to avoid compounding the loss. In the Waterloo Region, that usually starts with an emergency locksmith, then smarter longer-term home security.
Hours 0–12: Make the Property Safe
Priority one is life safety and a closable perimeter.
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 first.
- Avoid cleaning extensively until police say you may; photos help insurance.
- Board or temporarily secure broken glass and forced doors so the building cannot be walked into overnight.
- Call a licensed locksmith for emergency securing - latch repairs, temporary cylinders, or full hardware replacement as needed.
Do not sleep in a building that still opens with a shoulder to the frame. H&B Security answers 24/7 emergency locksmith calls across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Brantford.
Hours 12–48: Rekey Locks and Restore Key Control
Assume keys may be compromised if a keyring was stolen, a garage was opened, or a lock was manipulated. Lock rekeying on exterior doors (and relevant interior locks) cuts off old keys without waiting on a full redesign.
Replace hardware that was destroyed. Cheap replacements that barely fit the door often fail the next impact. Match the grade of lock to the door and frame - a solid deadbolt in a rotten jamb is still a weak point.
If you rent, notify the landlord immediately; they may own the obligation to repair, but you still need a secure place to stay.
Hours 48–72: Cameras, Alarms, and Insurance Gaps
Walk the property with a critical eye:
- Point of entry: Fix the actual failure: window, patio door, weak strike, open garage keypad codes.
- Visibility: A security camera that would have covered the side door is more useful than three overlapping views of the driveway. Aim for coverage of approaches, not vanity angles.
- Detection: Door/window contacts and a loud siren deter and document. Monitoring is optional for some households; response planning is not. Know who gets the alert at 2 a.m.
- Lighting and landscaping: Motion lighting and trimmed shrubs are dull advice that still works.
Insurers commonly ask for the police file number, a list of damaged items, and proof of repairs. Keep invoices. Ask your broker whether discounts require specific equipment before you buy.
What Not to Rush
Do not install the first smart gadget you see online while the door frame is still splintered. Structure first, electronics second. Do not post detailed floor plans or “we’re out of town getting repairs” updates on social media.
Book a Free Security Assessment
When the perimeter holds, schedule a proper assessment: locks, access, cameras, and alarm options that fit a home or small business - not a one-size pitch. H&B Security Centre offers free assessments from our Kitchener showroom and on site across the region.
If you need the property secured today, call 519-578-6268.