Guide
What to do after a shop break-in
After a shop break-in, check everyone is safe, call the police and get a crime reference number. Photograph the damage before anything is moved, then secure the premises and tell your insurer and landlord. Our 24/7 emergency line handles boarding up, and we'll tell you the arrival time when you call.
Last updated 3 November 2026. General guidance only: confirm anything legal with your council or adviser.
What should you do first?
If anyone may still be inside, stay out and call 999. Otherwise report it to the police on 101 or online and note the crime reference number, because your insurer will ask for it. Leave the scene as it is until the police say otherwise, and keep staff and customers away from broken glass.
How should you record the damage?
Photograph everything before tidying up: the point of entry, the frame, the lock, the glass and anything broken inside. List what is missing, with serial numbers and proof of purchase if you have them. Save CCTV footage and alarm logs before they are overwritten, and block any stolen cards or phones with your bank or network.
How do you make the shop secure?
Boarding up is usually the first repair, because it protects the stock, keeps out the weather and shows your insurer you have acted to limit the loss. Boarding costs £195 to £495 ex VAT per opening. Keep the invoice and photograph the boarded front. Permanent glass and locks normally follow once your insurer has agreed the work.
Who else needs to know?
Tell the people below as early as you can, and keep a note of who you spoke to and when. If your landlord insures the building, they may need to report the damage to their own insurer, so do not leave that call until the repair is finished.
If a laptop or paper records holding personal details were taken, you may have a personal data breach. Across the UK, reportable breaches go to the Information Commissioner's Office without undue delay and within 72 hours of discovering them. The ICO has a self-assessment tool to help you decide.
- Your insurer, even if you are unsure about claiming
- Your landlord or managing agent
- Your alarm or CCTV company, to check the system
- Your bank, if cards, cheques or a float were taken
How can you lower the risk of another break-in?
Look at how they got in, because the weak point is usually obvious. A mortice lock to BS 3621, laminated glass, an internal grille or a shutter can each close that gap. External shutters often need planning permission in England, and other nations set their own rules, so confirm with your council before ordering.