Burglary Repairs in Hemel Hempstead (Emergency Boarding Up & Making Safe)

A burglary is upsetting, invasive, and—practically speaking—messy. You’re suddenly dealing with a smashed window, a door that won’t lock, glass everywhere, and the worry that someone might come back.

If you need burglary repairs in Hemel Hempstead or anywhere across the HP postcodes (HP1–HP27), we can make safe and secure your property with emergency boarding up and temporary security measures. We’re fully insured, have 10+ years’ trading experience, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 for urgent assistance, including out of hours call-outs.
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk

When burglary repairs are needed (and what “repairs” usually means)

People often search “burglary repairs” when what they actually need right now is to secure the property after a break-in.

Common triggers include:

• A smashed window used as an entry point (ground-floor window, side window, or rear access)
• A kicked-in or prised door that no longer closes or locks
• Damaged frames where glazing has been removed
• A forced shop entrance after attempted theft
• A vacant property that’s been targeted and now needs immediate securing

In the hours after a break-in, speed matters—but so does doing the work properly. A rushed board that can be pulled off from outside doesn’t help. Our job is to board up broken windows, board up doors, and stabilise the opening so the building is secure until permanent repairs (lock changes, new glazing, new door sets) can be arranged.

If you’re in immediate need, our emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead service is designed for exactly this situation.

What to do right after a burglary (before we arrive)

If you’ve just discovered a break-in, these steps help protect you, your family/staff, and your insurance position:

1. If the intruder may still be inside, call 999 and move to a safe location.
2. Do not touch damaged entry points more than necessary—police may need to preserve evidence.
3. Take photos/video if it’s safe (door damage, broken glazing, the overall opening, any tools left behind).
4. Get your crime reference number from the police—insurers commonly ask for it.
5. Call us to make safe and secure the property. We’ll ask what’s been damaged and give you a realistic ETA.

If you’re a landlord, shop manager, or facilities contact and you can’t attend in person, tell us. In many cases we can still secure access with your permission and provide photos for your records/insurer.

Need to secure property after burglary in Hemel Hempstead tonight?
Call 01442 502 589

How we secure a property after a burglary (our “make safe” process)

Every break-in is different, but the goal is always the same: restore security and reduce risk.

1) Initial assessment (and honest options)

On arrival, we check:

• Which openings are compromised (front/rear/side doors, windows, fanlights, shopfront panes)
• Whether the frame is stable enough for non-destructive fixing
• Any immediate hazards (loose glass, sharp edges, dangling hardware)
• Whether you need short-term boarding or a more robust temporary door/screen

If the frame is too damaged for a clean installation, we’ll explain the practical options before proceeding.

2) Boarding up broken windows properly

For most domestic and many commercial openings, we use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, reliable protection where security is critical
• 12mm OSB for smaller or lower-risk openings where appropriate

We cut boards to suit the opening and secure them using fixings chosen for the situation. Where required, we use anti-tamper fixings to reduce the risk of removal from outside—particularly important if the property will be unattended.

If you specifically need a window secured, see our window boarding in Hemel Hempstead page.

3) Securing damaged doors (including temporary steel doors)

A break-in through a door can leave:

• Split timber
• A broken lock area
• Hinges pulled away
• A door that won’t latch, leaving the property exposed

Depending on the damage, we can board up the door or fit a temporary steel door where a more durable solution is needed (common for vacant properties, repeated targeting, or severely damaged entrances).

More detail is on our door boarding service page.

4) Shopfront and commercial glazing security

For shops and commercial units, burglary repairs often involve large glass panes and a high risk of repeat attempts—especially if stock is visible.

We can arrange a shopfront boarded up solution that prioritises:

• Strong panels sized to suit wider openings
• Fixings that resist tampering
• A neat, professional finish suitable for high-footfall locations

If your premises has been hit, see shopfront boarding.

5) Documentation for insurance and landlords

We’re not loss adjusters, but we do provide the kind of documentation insurers typically request, such as:

• Itemised invoices
• A clear statement of works
• Time-stamped photos of the damage and the completed security
• Notes on materials used (e.g., board thickness and fixing method)

For practical guidance on claims, visit our insurance claims support page.

Why boarding up after a burglary matters (even if you’re “just waiting for a glazier”)

It’s tempting to “leave it until morning”, but unsecured openings can create bigger problems quickly:

• Repeat entry: burglars sometimes return when they know a property is vulnerable
• Weather damage: rain and wind through a broken window can ruin flooring, electrics, and furnishings
• Liability: broken glass and accessible openings can pose a risk to visitors, neighbours, or staff
• Insurance issues: many policies require you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further loss

Emergency boarding up is often the simplest way to show you acted promptly to secure the property.

Materials and methods we use (and why)

We choose materials based on the opening size, risk level, and how long the property may be left.

• Exterior-grade plywood (typically 18mm): strong, durable, and preferred for burglary boarding where security is the main concern
• OSB (typically 12mm): suitable for smaller openings or short-term temporary boarding
• Anti-tamper fixings: helps prevent removal from outside—useful for unattended properties and higher-risk areas
• Temporary steel doors: a more robust option for badly damaged entrances or void properties needing medium-term protection

If you’re unsure what you need, we’ll talk it through on the phone and recommend the safest approach for your situation and budget.

Burglary repair scenarios we handle in the HP area

Across Hemel Hempstead and surrounding HP postcodes, typical break-in call-outs include:

• Back door forced on a house or ground-floor flat
• A smashed window at the rear or side of a property
• Garages/outbuildings accessed via a damaged side door
• Commercial units with broken glazing or a compromised entrance
• Vacant properties targeted for copper, tools, or just opportunistic entry

If you’re responsible for multiple sites (landlord or facilities), we can provide consistent documentation and a practical approach to making safe.

What to expect when you call us

When you ring, we’ll keep it straightforward:

1. We ask what’s happened (burglary, attempted break-in, vandalism)
2. We confirm the type of opening (window/door/shopfront) and rough size
3. We discuss access (are you on-site, is it tenanted, is it safe to enter)
4. We give a realistic ETA based on workload and time of day (we never promise a fixed arrival time)
5. We attend, make safe, and secure the property
6. We provide photos and paperwork for your records/insurer

If you need the fastest possible help, use our dedicated 24/7 emergency boarding up line:
Call 01442 502 589

Cost considerations (honest guidance)

We don’t publish fixed prices because burglary repairs vary widely. The main cost factors are:

• Size and number of openings
• Whether it’s a window, door, or shopfront
• Level of structural damage to frames
• Material choice (plywood vs OSB, temporary steel door, security screens)
• Access constraints (rear access, height, obstructions)

If you want a clear idea before booking, see our pricing guidance and call with a description/photos if possible.

Burglary repairs FAQs (Hemel Hempstead & HP postcodes)

Do you cover burglary boarding across HP1, HP2 and HP3?

Yes. We cover Hemel Hempstead and the wider HP postcode area (HP1–HP27). When you call, tell us your postcode and what’s been damaged, and we’ll confirm attendance and give a realistic ETA.

Can you board up a broken window the same night?

Often, yes—this is a common out of hours request after a break-in. We prioritise urgent calls and aim to attend as quickly as possible, but we don’t guarantee fixed arrival times. Call and we’ll advise what’s realistic tonight.

The door frame is split—can you still secure it?

Usually we can. If the frame is too damaged for a secure fixing, we’ll explain the options (which may include a temporary steel door or alternative fixing methods) before we proceed.

Will boarding up stop the rain and draughts as well as securing the property?

Boarding is primarily for security, but it also helps reduce weather ingress. If the opening is exposed, we’ll fit the panel to cover it properly as part of the make safe process.

Can you provide photos and paperwork for my insurer?

Yes. We can supply time-stamped photos, an itemised invoice, and a statement of works—documentation that insurers commonly request. More guidance is on our insurance claims page.

I’m a landlord/facilities manager—can you secure the property if the tenant isn’t there?

In many cases, yes, as long as access and authorisation are in place. Call us to discuss the situation; we’ll always prioritise safety and clear permission.

What if the property has been burgled and then vandalised as well?

That’s common. We can secure the openings first (doors/windows/shopfront) and help you stabilise the site. For vandalism-led incidents, you may also want to read our vandalism repair page.

Do you replace the glass or fit new locks?

We focus on emergency boarding up and temporary security. We’ll secure the property so you can arrange glazing replacement and lock changes. If you need immediate securing after forced entry, our door boarding service is usually the best fit.

The right next step after a burglary

If you’ve had a break-in, don’t sit with an exposed opening overnight. We’ll help you make safe, secure the property, and put you in a better position for your insurer and permanent repairs.

Need help now? Call 01442 502 589 for emergency boarding up in Hemel Hempstead and across the HP area.
Or email: info@boarding-up-hemel-hempstead.co.uk