Burglary Repairs in Enfield: Boarding Up After a Break-In (EN Postcodes)
A burglary is unsettling at the best of times. If a door has been forced, a window smashed, or a shopfront damaged, the first priority is making the property safe and secure again. We provide burglary repairs in Enfield focused on immediate security: emergency boarding up, temporary doors, and security screens across the EN postcode area.
If you need urgent help, call us now on 020 4634 5688 or email info@boarding-up-enfield.co.uk.
When you might need post-burglary boarding in Enfield
Most call-outs happen when an entry point has been compromised and you can’t safely leave the property as-is—especially overnight, over a weekend, or between tenants. Typical scenarios we see across Enfield and the wider EN area include:
- Forced front or back doors (splintered timber frames, snapped locks, prised uPVC panels)
- Smashed ground-floor windows or broken double-glazed units
- Patio or French doors that no longer close securely after being levered
- Basement/side alley access points damaged around narrow passages (common in terraces)
- Shopfront attacks on commercial glazing where the premises must be secured fast
Whether it’s a flat near Edmonton Green, a family home around Bush Hill Park, or a retail unit close to Enfield Town and the parade of shops near the station, the goal is the same: stop repeat access and reduce further loss.
If you’re searching for “who to call for boarding up after burglary Enfield” or “secure property after burglary Enfield”, this page explains what happens next and what we can do.
What to do immediately after a burglary (practical steps)
If you’ve just discovered a break-in, focus on safety and documentation before repairs:
- Call 999 if intruders may still be inside, or if there’s immediate danger. Otherwise call 101 to report the crime.
- Don’t touch damaged areas (door handles, glass, frames). You may preserve fingerprints.
- Take photos if it’s safe—wide shots and close-ups of the point of entry and damage.
- Make a brief list of visible losses/damage for your insurer (you can refine it later).
- Arrange emergency security so the property isn’t left exposed.
If you need emergency boarding up, use our urgent page: emergency boarding up.
Burglary repairs vs boarding up: what we actually do
We’re not a general building contractor and we’re not loss adjusters. Our role in burglary repairs is focused on making the property secure and weather-tight until permanent repairs (glazing replacement, new doors/frames, locksmith work, joinery) are arranged.
That usually involves one or more of the following:
- Window boarding to cover broken glazing and prevent access
See: window boarding in Enfield - Door boarding or temporary steel door installation if the door is beyond safe use
See: door boarding in Enfield - Shopfront boarding for commercial premises and larger glazed elevations
See: shopfront boarding in Enfield - Security screens for vacant or repeatedly targeted properties (longer-term protection)
Explore options via: vacant property boarding in Enfield
If access points are too compromised for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
How we secure your property after a break-in (our step-by-step approach)
1) Quick assessment and safe working area
On arrival we check what’s been damaged, what’s missing, and whether there are hazards:
- Loose shards, unstable glazing, sharp fixings
- Damaged frames that won’t take standard fixings
- Alarm/cable damage around entry points
- Whether the property is occupied, vacant, or mid-refurb
If police are attending or have asked that the scene is preserved, we’ll work around that and secure the minimum necessary until you get clearance.
2) Choosing the right boarding method and materials
We typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, durable protection on windows and doors
- OSB (often 12mm) for smaller openings where appropriate and agreed
- Anti-tamper fixings where the board must not be removable from the outside
- Through-bolting (with internal plates/battens) where frames are weak or crumbling
The aim is to secure the opening without causing unnecessary additional damage. On many uPVC windows, for example, we may use methods that avoid destroying what remains of the frame—where it’s viable and safe.
3) Securing doors: boarding vs temporary steel doors
If a door has been kicked in or the frame has split, boarding can secure the opening quickly—but it may leave you without usable entry.
For properties that need regular access (landlords, shop owners, managing agents), a temporary steel door can be the better option: it provides a lockable, robust entry point while permanent repairs are organised.
If you’re unsure which is best, we’ll talk you through it on the call.
4) Weatherproofing and preventing further loss
After a burglary, it’s common for rain and wind to become the next problem—especially if glass has shattered and the opening is exposed.
We focus on:
- Tight, correctly sized boards with minimal gaps
- Fixings that resist levering
- Sensible placement to reduce water ingress where possible
We can’t guarantee a board will be “watertight” in every storm scenario (especially with uneven masonry or damaged frames), but we secure it to a standard intended to hold up until proper repairs are completed.
5) Documentation for landlords and insurance
For many customers, the next step is the insurer or managing agent. We can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of damage and completed boarding
- Itemised invoices and a clear work statement (what we secured and how)
- Notes on any constraints (e.g., frame too damaged for non-destructive fixings)
For more guidance on paperwork, see: insurance claims help.
Common burglary entry points we see across Enfield (and how we handle them)
Ground-floor windows and side returns
In Enfield’s mix of Victorian terraces and 1930s semis—especially where there’s a side passage—ground-floor windows can be targeted. We board the opening with fixings chosen to resist external removal, and we’ll advise if a screen is a better medium-term solution.
Rear doors and patio doors
Patio doors that no longer meet properly or have damaged tracks can’t be relied on. We can board the door opening or, where appropriate, secure the area with a more robust temporary solution until replacement doors are fitted.
Flats and communal entrances
In blocks, access and permissions matter. If there’s a compromised flat door or window, we’ll confirm access arrangements and keep disturbance to communal areas minimal. For commercial/managed sites, we can work alongside facilities teams; see: commercial boarding up in Enfield.
Shops and high-street units
If you’ve had a shopfront smashed, you often need to secure it quickly for safety, stock protection, and compliance. Larger boards, stronger fixings, and careful consideration of customer/public areas are key. Read more: shopfront boarding in Enfield.
If the property is vacant or repeatedly targeted
Vacant properties can be re-entered quickly once they’re known to be empty—especially if boarding is light-duty or easy to remove.
If the property will be unoccupied (probate, between tenancies, refurbishment), ask us about stronger options and longer-term strategies. Start here: vacant property boarding in Enfield.
FAQs: burglary boarding and repairs in Enfield
Do you handle emergency burglary boarding in Enfield out of hours?
Yes—if you need urgent help, use our dedicated page for emergency boarding up. We prioritise genuine emergencies, but we don’t promise fixed arrival times because conditions vary.
Is boarding up after a burglary covered by insurance?
Often it can be, depending on your policy and excess. We’re not loss adjusters, but we can provide the photos and itemised invoice insurers typically request. See: insurance claims help.
How long does it take to board up after a break-in?
It depends on how many openings are damaged, the size of each opening, and the condition of frames and surrounding masonry. When you call, tell us how many windows/doors are affected and whether access is straightforward, and we’ll set expectations.
Can you secure a property if the door frame is badly damaged?
Usually yes. If the frame won’t hold fixings safely, we may use through-bolting methods or recommend a temporary steel door to provide a secure, lockable entry. We’ll explain the approach before starting.
I’m a landlord/managing agent—can you send documentation for my records?
Yes. We regularly work with landlords, agents, and facilities teams and can supply photos, an itemised invoice, and a clear description of works carried out.
Related services for burglary repairs in Enfield
Depending on what’s been damaged, burglary repairs typically involve one or more of these services:
- window boarding in Enfield for smashed or compromised glazing
- door boarding in Enfield including temporary security options
- shopfront boarding in Enfield for retail and commercial fronts
- For broader context, see what is boarding up?
If your situation involves damage beyond burglary (e.g., impact or vandalism), you may also find these useful:
Ready to secure your property after a burglary?
If your home, flat, shop, or site has been broken into, we can help you secure it quickly and professionally across Enfield and the EN postcode area.
Need help now? Call 020 4634 5688 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? Contact info@boarding-up-enfield.co.uk.
