Burglary Repairs in Reading: Emergency Boarding Up & Property Security (RG Postcodes)
If you’ve come home to a forced door, smashed window, or a ransacked shop, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our burglary repairs support in Reading focuses on what matters in the first few hours: securing the property quickly, safely, and with clear documentation for landlords and insurers.
Boarding Up Reading covers Reading and the wider RG postcode area (RG1–RG45). If you need urgent help, call 01182 308 876 or email info@boarding-up-reading.co.uk.
When burglary repairs are needed (and what “repairs” really means)
After a break-in, “repairs” often starts with making the building secure and weather-tight. Glazing and joinery specialists usually handle the permanent fix later—often after a police visit and an insurer decision.
We’re typically called when:
- A uPVC or timber door has been forced, the lock area is split, or the frame has pulled away
- A ground-floor window has been smashed, cracked, or prised open
- A rear patio door has been lifted or the glass has shattered
- A shop has suffered a ram-raid attempt or targeted smash-and-grab
- A vacant property has been entered and needs immediate re-securing
- The police have completed their checks and you need the opening secured
In practical terms, our work is about post-burglary boarding in Reading—securing your door/window openings so you can lock up, leave safely, and avoid a second incident.
If this is happening right now: Call 01182 308 876.
First steps after a burglary (before we arrive)
A burglary is stressful and disorientating. These steps help protect you and make the next part easier:
- Call 999 if the intruder may still be inside or there’s immediate danger. Otherwise call 101 to report the incident.
- Don’t touch damaged doors/windows more than necessary—police may need to check for evidence.
- Take photos if safe (wide shots and close-ups). This can help with insurers and landlords.
- Get a crime reference number and keep it to hand.
- If you’re a tenant, contact your landlord/agent as soon as possible.
- If your building can’t be secured, consider moving people (and pets) to a safe room or neighbour until we arrive.
We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisers, but we can provide the sort of documentation insurers typically ask for: itemised invoices, a clear statement of works, and time-stamped photos of the secured openings.
How we secure your property after a break-in
Every burglary scene is different, but the goals are the same: secure the opening, reduce risk of re-entry, and prevent weather damage.
1) We assess the damage and the safest fixing method
When we arrive, we’ll look at:
- What’s been damaged: glass only, frame split, hinges/locks torn out, etc.
- Whether the frame is stable enough for non-destructive fixing (where possible)
- Whether you need access in/out afterwards (common for homes and businesses)
- Any immediate hazards like loose glass, exposed fixings, or unstable panels
If the frame is too damaged to secure safely with normal methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.
2) Window boarding (smashed or compromised glazing)
For burglary boarding in Reading, windows are the most common call-out—especially ground-floor panes, side windows, and rear extensions.
Depending on the opening size and risk level, we typically use:
- 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strong, secure coverage on larger or higher-risk openings
- 12mm OSB for smaller openings where appropriate (still robust, often suitable for short-term)
- Anti-tamper fixings where the property may be unattended, to reduce the chance of boards being removed from outside
We cut boards to fit neatly and fix them to provide a solid barrier, while avoiding unnecessary additional damage wherever possible.
Related service: window boarding in Reading
3) Door boarding or temporary steel doors (forced entry points)
If a door has been kicked in or the lock area has failed, boarding alone may not be practical—especially if you still need safe access.
Options commonly include:
- Door boarding up for secondary doors or when access isn’t required
- Temporary steel doors for a stronger, lockable solution on main entrances, vacant properties, or repeated targeting
- Securing damaged frames enough to close down gaps and reduce leverage points
Related service: door boarding in Reading
If you’re managing an empty or repossessed property, you may also want: vacant property boarding up
4) Shopfront boarding for retail and commercial premises
For businesses in Reading—especially around busy footfall areas like Broad Street, Friar Street, and near The Oracle—a smashed shopfront is both a security risk and a reputational issue.
We can board larger glazed sections and vulnerable side returns, aiming to:
- Secure the premises out of hours
- Reduce visibility of stock where possible
- Keep a safe perimeter for staff and the public
Related service: shopfront boarding in Reading
Commercial info: commercial boarding up
5) What you receive after we secure the property
To make the admin side easier (especially if you’re dealing with an insurer, landlord, or facilities team), we can provide:
- Time-stamped photos of the damage and completed boarding
- An itemised invoice and statement of works
- Notes on any access limitations or follow-on recommendations (e.g., glazing, joinery, lock replacement)
For claims guidance, see: insurance claims support
A realistic burglary scenario in Reading (micro case study)
A landlord with a terrace near Oxford Road (RG1/RG30) called after a break-in during a void period. The rear kitchen window had been smashed and the back door showed signs of levering around the lock. The priority was to stop re-entry and prevent rain getting in overnight.
We boarded the broken window with exterior-grade sheet material and used anti-tamper fixings because the property was unoccupied. The back door was secured to reduce movement and remove obvious leverage points until a locksmith and joiner could attend. The customer received photos and an itemised work summary for their letting agent and insurer.
(Every incident differs—this is an example of the sort of post-burglary securing we regularly carry out across Reading and RG postcodes.)
Burglary repairs for different property types
Residential homes and flats
In Reading, we regularly work on Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, and modern flats—often where rear access, side passages, or dark garden areas make ground-floor entry points vulnerable.
If you’re a homeowner or tenant, you may find this useful: residential boarding up
Landlords and managing agents
Voids and end-of-tenancy periods are common times for break-ins. We can help secure the property quickly and provide documentation suitable for your records.
Shops, offices, and sites
For commercial premises, you may need a more robust temporary solution—especially if you’re waiting for specialist glazing or a shutter contractor. We can also coordinate access with keyholders where appropriate.
What affects how we secure it (and how long it stays up)
We’ll always be upfront about what boarding can and can’t do.
Security depends on:
- Size and location of the opening (ground floor, alley side, rear gardens, etc.)
- Condition of frame/substrate (sound timber vs blown uPVC vs cracked masonry)
- Whether the property is occupied or vacant
- The most sensible next step (glazier booking, locksmith, door replacement lead times)
Boarding is a temporary security measure. If you need a longer-term approach for an empty building, talk to us about vacant property boarding up and options beyond standard timber boarding.
FAQs — Burglary repairs & boarding up in Reading
Do you cover post-burglary boarding across Reading and RG postcodes?
Yes. We cover Reading and the surrounding RG area (RG1–RG45), including central Reading and nearby towns and villages. If you’re unsure, call 01182 308 876 and we’ll confirm.
Should I wait for the police before boarding up?
If the police need to attend, it’s usually best to wait until they’ve finished their checks—unless there’s an immediate safety risk (such as a fully open frontage). If you’re not sure, call us and we’ll talk through the safest next step.
Is boarding up covered by insurance after a burglary?
Often, insurers will consider emergency securing as a reasonable step to prevent further loss, but policies vary. We can provide photos and paperwork that insurers commonly request. See: insurance claims support
Can you secure a door if the frame is badly damaged?
In many cases, yes—either by boarding, bracing, or fitting a temporary steel door where appropriate. If the surrounding structure is too compromised for a safe fix, we’ll explain the limitations and options before proceeding.
I’m in a busy area—do you board shopfronts safely out of hours?
Yes. For places with footfall and traffic, we focus on safe working practices, sensible access, and leaving the frontage stable and secure. For dedicated commercial work, see: shopfront boarding in Reading
Related situations we’re called to (often alongside burglaries)
Some break-ins also involve other damage types, particularly when windows are smashed or doors are rammed:
Need help now, or planning security after a break-in?
If you need to secure property after burglary in Reading, we’ll talk you through the options and arrange the right level of boarding for your door, window, or shopfront.
Need help now? Call 01182 308 876 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-reading.co.uk
