Burglary Repairs in Sevenoaks (TN13–TN15): What To Do Next and How We Secure Your Property

When a burglary happens, it’s sudden, upsetting, and disruptive. Whether you’re in TN13, TN14, or TN15, our job is to help you make the property safe again—fast, professionally, and with clear guidance so you can move forward. Boarding Up Sevenoaks has been securing homes, shops, and offices across the area for 10+ years. We’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked. If you need urgent help to board up a broken window, secure a forced door, or make a damaged shopfront safe tonight, call us any time.

Need urgent help now? Call 01732 900 519. For out of hours call-outs, go straight to our emergency boarding up.

After a Break-In: When Burglary Repairs Are Needed

A burglary often leaves at least one entry point compromised. Common scenarios we see across Sevenoaks and nearby villages include:

• Smashed rear patio doors or sidelights to gain access
• Forced front doors with split frames or blown locks
• Ground-floor sash windows pried and cracked
• Commercial shopfront glazing hit by impact, leaving shards or open apertures

If the opening can’t be secured by closing and locking, you need temporary boarding to secure the property and deter further entry. In many cases, insurers ask for immediate “make safe” works so the property isn’t left exposed. We provide that: practical, robust temporary security using appropriate materials and anti-tamper fixings that prevent removal from outside—vital if the building will be unattended overnight.

If you’re unsure what you need, call us. We’ll ask a few quick questions—type of opening, approximate size, frame condition, access—and advise the safest next step.

Our Approach: How We Secure Burgled Properties

Every incident is different, but our approach remains consistent: make safe, secure, document, and leave you clear on next steps. Here’s how that looks on site.

1. Initial safety check

• We check for hazards: broken glass, sharp edges, loose frames, exposed nails, trip risks in retail fit-outs.
• We don’t move personal items unless necessary for safety; if the police haven’t attended yet, we’ll avoid disturbing entry points.

2. Evidence awareness

• If you’re awaiting police attendance, we’ll work around the scene to preserve potential fingerprints or tool marks wherever possible. If immediate boarding is necessary for security or weather, we’ll discuss it with you first.

3. Board selection and sizing

• For most doors and larger windows, we use 18mm exterior-grade plywood cut to size.
• For smaller openings or internal partitions, 12mm OSB may be used where appropriate.
• Shopfronts typically require larger sheets and additional support to prevent bowing.

4. Fixing methods

• We prefer non-destructive bracing through the reveal where frames allow, using internal spreader battens to avoid damaging sound timber.
• Where the frame is too damaged or bracing isn’t possible, we’ll fix through solid substrate using anti-tamper screws and security washers.
• For doors, we can install a temporary steel door set if the frame has failed or repeated access is required during repairs.

5. Weatherproofing and sealing

• For exposed openings or after stormy weather, we’ll add edge sealing or wrap as needed to keep rain out and reduce draughts.

6. Make safe internally

• We collect accessible broken glass and debris in the work area.
• We’ll advise on any structural red flags that need a joiner or glazier follow-up.

7. Documentation for insurers

• You’ll receive time-stamped photos (before/after where safe), an itemised invoice, and a brief work statement describing the damage and the steps taken to secure.
• If your insurer needs specific wording or additional photos, tell us on the call—this is common and we’re used to it.

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain options before proceeding, including the benefits of a temporary steel door for medium-term security. We’re transparent about what’s secure, what’s temporary, and what you’ll still need from a glazier, locksmith, or joiner.

Explore our related services:

• Detailed info on window boarding in Sevenoaks
• Options for door boarding and temporary doors
• Commercial shopfront boarding for retail and offices

Materials & Fixings: What We Use and Why

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood: Strong, rigid and suitable for larger spans like doors and shopfront glazing, resisting flex and prying.
• 12mm OSB: Efficient for smaller windows and internal panels where weight and thickness can be moderated.
• Anti-tamper fixings: These prevent removal from the outside—crucial for properties left unattended or overnight.
• Internal spreader battens: Where possible, boards are clamped through reveals to minimise damage to frames and plaster, and to avoid external screw heads.
• Temporary steel doors: Ideal after a forced entry when the timber frame is beyond a quick repair, or when frequent access is needed during refurbishment.

The goal is always the same: secure property quickly, make the opening safe, and give you confidence that it will hold until permanent repairs are arranged.

What You Get From Us

• A calm, practical plan—on the phone and on site
• A secure property using appropriate boarding or a temporary steel door
• Time-stamped photos for your records
• Itemised invoice and a clear work statement for insurers
• Honest advice on next steps, including specialist follow-ups (glazier, locksmith, joiner)

If you’re unsure which service fits your situation, start with our emergency boarding up and we’ll guide you.

Typical Burglary Scenario in the TN13–TN15 Area

A typical call-out might involve a late evening return to a house in TN13 with a smashed rear patio door. The lock’s been forced and the fixed side glazing has shattered, scattering glass across the kitchen. We’d first ensure the scene is safe and ask whether the police have been informed. If evidence needs preserving, we’ll work around the main impact zone. We’d then measure up for 18mm plywood, brace internally using spreader battens to avoid damaging the remaining frame, and seal edges to limit draughts. Inside, we’d clear immediate trip hazards and glass where we’re working. Before leaving, we’d take time-stamped photos and provide a work statement for the insurer. If the family can’t get the alarm back online, we might recommend a temporary steel door on the same visit for peace of mind overnight.

Step-by-Step: What To Do Right Now

1. Make sure you’re safe

• If you’re inside and unsure whether the intruder has left, do not search the property. Leave and call the police.
• If outside, don’t enter until you’re confident it’s safe or the police have attended.

2. Call the police

• Obtain a crime reference number. Keep it to hand; your insurer will ask for it.

3. Document the damage (if safe)

• Take clear photos of entry points, damaged locks, and broken glazing before we arrive.

4. Call us to make safe

• We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible. Typical attendance varies by time of day and workload. We’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.
• Need help now? Call 01732 900 519 or use our emergency boarding up.

5. Contact your insurer early

• Ask whether emergency boarding is covered. We provide itemised invoices, time-stamped photos, and a work statement to support your claim. We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we know what documentation is typically requested.

When a Temporary Steel Door Makes Sense

• The timber frame is split or missing sections after a forced entry
• You need reliable access during repairs without leaving the property vulnerable
• The premises will be vacant for a period (void shop or between tenancies)
• Repeated attempts have left a door beyond simple boarding

In these cases, we can install a temporary steel door that locks and provides a stronger barrier than plywood alone. Ask about this during your call if you think your door frame is badly damaged.

Commercial Burglary: Shopfronts and Offices

Burglary repairs for commercial properties in Sevenoaks often involve large panes and aluminium frames. Our approach includes:

• Stabilising or removing loose shards safely, with barriers for public-facing frontages
• Boarding large apertures with appropriate support to limit flex
• Coordinating discrete out of hours attendance to reduce disruption
• Providing RAMS on request for facilities teams

Learn more about shopfront boarding in Sevenoaks. For urgent out of hours assistance, use our 24/7 boarding up.

How Long Will It Take?

On site time varies with the size of the opening, level of damage, and access constraints (upper floors, tight rear access, or internal obstacles). A single domestic window can usually be made safe quickly; large shopfronts or multiple openings take longer. We don’t quote fixed arrival times online, but when you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA and keep you updated.

Insurance and Evidence: What We Provide

• Time-stamped before/after photos where safe to take them
• Itemised invoice with materials and labour separated
• A brief work statement describing the damage and our “make safe” actions
• If your insurer requires alternative wording or additional detail, tell us—we’re used to it

You should keep:

• Police crime reference number
• Your own photos taken before any works (if safe)
• Any correspondence with your insurer

For more on claims and documentation, see our insurance guidance.

Coverage Across Sevenoaks and Nearby

We cover burglary repairs and boarding up across TN13, TN14, and TN15, including homes, flats, shops, offices, and vacant properties. We’re local, we prioritise urgent cases, and we’re transparent about ETAs on the phone. If you’re outside these postcodes, check our areas we cover.

FAQs: Burglary Repairs in Sevenoaks

Do you offer same-day emergency boarding up in TN13–TN15?

Yes. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible across TN13, TN14 and TN15. We don’t guarantee fixed times online, but we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call.

Can you board up my smashed window tonight, out of hours?

Yes. Our emergency boarding up service runs 24/7 for situations like a smashed window, forced door, or compromised shopfront.

Will the boarding damage my window or door frame?

We aim for non-destructive methods first, using internal spreader battens and anti-tamper fixings through solid reveals. If the frame is too damaged, we’ll explain options before proceeding.

Can you secure a shopfront after a break-in on the same night?

Typically yes. We carry materials for large apertures and stabilisation. See shopfront boarding or call for an urgent ETA.

What documents do insurers need after a burglary in Sevenoaks?

Most ask for a crime reference number, photos, and an itemised invoice. We provide time-stamped photos and a work statement as standard. More details here: insurance guidance.

I’m a landlord—can you meet a tenant on site and send me photos?

Yes. We regularly liaise with landlords and managing agents. We can send time-stamped photos and invoices directly to you.

The door frame is split—should I choose a temporary steel door?

If the frame is severely compromised, a temporary steel door provides better security and controlled access while you arrange permanent repairs. See door boarding and temporary doors.

How much does burglary boarding up cost in Sevenoaks?

Costs depend on opening size, materials, access, and time of call. We’re transparent on the phone and our pricing page explains typical cost factors. We don’t publish fixed prices online.

Related Services

• Make safe fast with our emergency boarding up
• Secure smashed panes with window boarding
• Reinforce damaged entrances via door boarding
• Protect retail premises with shopfront boarding
• Learn what boarding up involves: What is boarding up?

Next Steps

Need help now? Call 01732 900 519 for immediate assistance. Prefer email? Contact info@boarding-up-sevenoaks.co.uk. We’ll advise the safest way to secure your property, give you a realistic ETA, and provide the documentation you need for insurance.