Burglary Repairs in West London (W2–W14): Boarding Up After a Break-in
Burglary repairs in West London usually start with one urgent priority: making your property safe and secure again. If you’ve come home to a forced door in Shepherd’s Bush, a smashed sash window in Notting Hill, or a damaged shopfront near Hammersmith Broadway, you’re not just dealing with the shock—you’re dealing with an exposed building.
Boarding Up West London provides practical, fast property securing across W postcodes (W2–W14). We’re not locksmiths or glaziers, and we don’t “undo” what’s happened. What we do is secure damaged doors, windows, shopfronts and vulnerable openings so the property can be left safely until permanent repairs are arranged.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 8072 for immediate assistance.
When burglary repairs are needed (common West London scenarios)
A break-in doesn’t always mean a completely broken door. In our experience across West London, we’re often called out for:
- Forced uPVC or timber doors where the lock area has been punched or the frame has split
- Smashed ground-floor windows (especially rear/side access near alleyways or gardens)
- Broken communal entrances to mansion blocks and converted flats
- Damaged shopfront glazing after an attempted cashpoint-style smash-and-grab
- Secondary damage: cracked panes, bent hinges, broken letter plates, torn door closers and splintered frames
It can happen in busy areas just as easily as quiet ones—around transport hubs like Paddington, Shepherd’s Bush, West Kensington, or near late-night footfall in parts of Soho and Fitzrovia. What matters is getting the opening secured so you’re not left exposed overnight.
If you’re unsure whether it “needs” boarding: if you can see daylight where you shouldn’t, the door won’t close reliably, or the glazing is compromised, it’s worth securing.
First steps after a break-in (before we arrive)
If it’s safe to do so:
- Call the police and get your crime reference number.
- Avoid touching damaged areas (frames, handles, glass) if police attendance is expected.
- Take photos of damage and entry points for your insurer (only if safe).
- Move valuables away from exposed openings and into an internal room.
- Keep children and pets clear of broken glass and splintered timber.
If you’re calling your insurer, ask what documentation they’ll need. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the practical evidence insurers typically ask for: itemised invoices and a clear statement of works, plus photos of the boarded openings.
More on our wider approach is explained in what boarding up is and when it’s used.
How we secure properties after burglary in West London
Burglary repair boarding is about speed, strength and method. The right approach depends on whether the damage is to a window, a door, a shopfront, or multiple points of entry.
1) We assess what’s actually vulnerable
On arrival we’ll check:
- Which openings are compromised (including back doors, basement windows, side returns)
- Whether the frame will take fixings safely
- Whether there’s loose glass or sharp edges that need making safe
- If there’s a risk of repeat entry (common when the property will be empty)
If the frame is too damaged for a non-destructive fixing method, we’ll explain options before proceeding. Sometimes the safest immediate solution is a more robust temporary installation rather than trying to “make do” with a weak surround.
2) Materials we typically use (and why)
We choose materials based on the opening size, location and risk level:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable security on doors and larger window openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller or low-risk openings where appropriate
- Anti-tamper fixings where outside access is possible (important for unattended properties)
- Internal bracing/battens when we need a secure hold without damaging delicate frames more than necessary
The aim is always to secure the building while keeping the next stage—glazing, door replacement, or joinery repairs—straightforward.
3) Fitting methods (what “good boarding up” looks like)
A proper board-up isn’t a sheet lightly screwed into cracked timber. We’ll typically:
- Cut boards to fit the opening precisely (reducing gaps and leverage points)
- Fix into sound structural points rather than broken trim
- Use anti-tamper or coach fixings where needed
- Keep access and fire escape considerations in mind (especially in flats)
If there’s a requirement to maintain some ventilation (for example, after rain has entered or where damp is a concern), we can discuss safer options—without leaving the property exposed.
Burglary boarding options by damage type
Boarding up broken windows
If the glass is smashed, cracked, or missing, we can secure the opening quickly and safely. This is one of the most common post-burglary callouts in West London—especially in ground-floor flats and garden-level properties.
Learn more about our method on window boarding in West London.
Securing damaged doors (including forced entry)
If the door won’t lock, the frame is split, or the panel has been kicked in, boarding may be the only safe short-term option until a locksmith/joiner replaces parts.
Where the doorway is heavily compromised—or where you need controlled access—we may recommend a temporary steel door instead of timber boarding.
Shopfronts and commercial glazing after a break-in
Retail units and offices along busy routes can be targeted for quick entry. After police have attended, many businesses need immediate security to prevent repeat attempts and protect stock.
We provide robust panels suitable for larger frontages and can work with facilities teams and landlords to keep the site compliant and secure.
See shopfront boarding in West London.
Rooflights and skylights used as entry points
It’s less common, but we do see burglaries via rear extensions, flat roofs and skylights—particularly where access is possible from a neighbouring structure or fire escape.
If the breach is overhead, take extra care: broken roof glazing can be dangerous and weather exposure escalates fast.
See roof boarding.
What you can expect when you call us
When you contact Boarding Up West London, we’ll ask a few quick questions so we bring the right materials:
- Property type (flat/house/shop/office)
- What’s damaged (door, window, shopfront, rooflight)
- Whether police have attended / if you need to preserve the scene
- Access details (communal entry, rear alley access, parking restrictions)
- Whether the property will be left unattended
After the job, customers typically receive:
- Photos of the secured openings (useful for insurers and landlords)
- An itemised invoice
- A brief statement of works describing what was secured and how
For insurance guidance, see insurance claims support. We can’t negotiate claims, but we can supply documentation in a format insurers usually accept.
Micro case study: securing a forced entry in W12 (Shepherd’s Bush)
A landlord called after a break-in at a ground-floor flat near Uxbridge Road, a short walk from Shepherd’s Bush Market station. The intruder had forced the rear kitchen window and damaged the timber frame; the tenant was understandably shaken and didn’t feel safe staying overnight.
We attended to secure the window with exterior-grade plywood, using fixings into sound points to avoid worsening the split frame. We also checked the adjacent door and side panel for weakness and advised the landlord on what to tell their glazier/joiner for the permanent repair. The landlord received photos and an itemised invoice the same day to support their insurer and property management file.
Burglary repairs for landlords, managing agents and commercial sites
Break-ins often trigger a chain of responsibilities: tenant safety, building security, insurance reporting, and arranging permanent repairs. We regularly work with:
- Landlords and letting agents between tenancies
- Managing agents for mansion blocks and conversions
- Retail managers and facilities teams
- Vacant properties awaiting refurbishment or sale
If the property is likely to be unoccupied after the incident, it may be worth considering longer-lasting protection for repeat-risk sites. Our vacant property boarding solutions explain what’s typically appropriate.
FAQs about post-burglary boarding up in West London
Is boarding up covered by insurance after a burglary?
Often, yes—many buildings policies include emergency securing as a necessary step to prevent further loss. Cover varies, so it’s best to check your wording. We can provide photos, an invoice, and a statement of works to support a claim. See insurance claims support.
Should I wait for the police before boarding up?
If police attendance is expected and it’s safe, it’s usually sensible to wait so evidence isn’t disturbed. If the property is dangerously open (or weather/security risk is immediate), tell the police/insurer what action you’re taking and keep photos. We can also work around evidence where possible.
Can you secure a door if the frame is badly damaged?
In many cases, yes. If the frame is too compromised to take fixings safely, we’ll explain the options—this is where door boarding or a more robust temporary solution may be appropriate.
How long does boarding up take?
It depends on how many openings are affected, the size of the boards required, and access (for example, upper floors, rear alleys, or controlled entrances). When you call, we’ll estimate the job scope based on what you can see and update you on arrival.
Do you replace the glass or repair locks?
We focus on securing the property: boarding and temporary security. Glazing replacement and lock changes are usually handled by a glazier/locksmith, but we can stabilise the situation so those trades can attend safely later.
Next steps: secure your property after burglary
If you’ve had a break-in in West London, don’t leave damaged openings overnight. We’ll help you secure windows, doors, shopfronts and other vulnerable entry points across W2–W14.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 8072 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? Contact us at info@boarding-up-west-london.co.uk.
