Do I need to call the police after a break-in even if nothing was stolen?

Yes. You should always report a break-in to police, even if the intruder left empty-handed. A police event number is required by virtually all home and contents insurers before they will process a claim for damage or theft. It also helps police identify patterns of local criminal activity.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a locksmith after a break-in?

Most standard home and contents policies in Australia cover emergency locksmith costs following a break-in, including lock replacement or rekeying. Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific limits, which typically range from $200 to $500. Keep all receipts and your police event number to support your claim.

Should I rekey or replace my locks after a burglary?

If your locks are undamaged and already a quality grade, rekeying is the faster and cheaper option, costing around $70 to $130 per lock. If locks were forced, drilled, or are low-grade hardware, replacement makes more sense. A licensed locksmith can assess this on the spot and advise you based on the condition and security rating of your existing locks.

How much does an emergency locksmith cost after hours in Australia?

After-hours locksmith call-outs in Australia typically start at $100 to $150 for reputable operators, but total bills including labour and parts can reach $300 to $500 or more depending on the complexity of the job and your location. Weekend and public holiday rates are generally higher. Always ask for a full quote before work begins.

How do I check if a locksmith is licensed in Australia?

Locksmith licensing is managed at the state and territory level. In NSW, check the Police Licensing and Registry database. In Victoria, use the Victoria Police security industry licence check. Queensland residents can verify through the Office of Fair Trading. Similar online portals exist for WA, SA, and the ACT. Always ask the locksmith for their licence number before they start work.

What To Do After a Break-In (2026 Guide)

Your First Steps After a Break-In

A break-in is a disorienting experience. Before you touch anything or start cleaning up, there are a few critical steps to follow. Acting in the right order protects both your safety and your insurance claim.

Step 1: Do Not Enter If You Are Unsure It Is Safe

If you arrive home and suspect a burglary is in progress, do not go inside. Call 000 immediately and wait at a safe distance. Police will clear the property before you enter.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if the intruder is long gone, you must report the break-in to police. In Australia, you will receive an event or report number, which your insurer will require when you lodge a claim. Call your local police station's non-emergency line (131 444 in most states) once there is no immediate threat.

Step 3: Do Not Disturb the Scene

Avoid touching damaged entry points, displaced items, or anything the intruder may have handled. Police may wish to dust for fingerprints or collect other forensic evidence. Take photos and video of all damage before anything is moved or repaired.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer

Notify your home and contents insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report a burglary promptly. Have your police event number ready. Your insurer may send an assessor or ask for photos, quotes for repairs, and a list of stolen items.

Locksmith Costs After a Break-In: What to Expect

One of the most urgent tasks after a break-in is securing your property. This usually means an emergency locksmith call-out, followed by rekeying, lock replacement, or both. Costs vary depending on the service, the time of day, and your location.

Service	Typical Cost (AUD)	Notes
Emergency call-out fee (after hours)	$100 – $300+	Higher on weekends and public holidays
Lock repair	~$65	For minor damage where the lock mechanism is salvageable
Rekeying (per lock)	$70 – $130	Changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work
Lock replacement (per lock)	$70 – $200	Includes labour; hardware cost varies by brand and grade
Deadbolt upgrade	$150 – $350+	Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts recommended for security
Full home rekey (multiple locks)	$200 – $500+	Bulk pricing often available

Emergency vs Standard Call-Outs

If your break-in is discovered at night or on a weekend, you will almost certainly pay an after-hours premium. Reddit users in Australian cities report after-hours locksmith bills ranging from $300 to over $550 for a single job. Standard business-hours call-outs are significantly cheaper, but you should not leave a compromised entry point unsecured overnight.

Rekeying vs Replacing Locks

Rekeying is the more affordable option and makes sense when your lock mechanism is undamaged and already a quality grade. Replacing locks is necessary when the lock has been forced, drilled, or is low-grade hardware that should be upgraded anyway. A licensed locksmith can assess this on-site.

Tip: Ask your locksmith to quote both rekeying and replacement before committing. If your existing locks are low-security cylinders, upgrading at this point is cost-effective compared to returning for the job later.

Choosing a Locksmith After a Break-In

In the immediate aftermath of a break-in, you may feel pressured to hire the first locksmith you find. Take a moment to verify credentials before agreeing to any work.

Check for a Licence

In Australia, locksmiths must hold a valid security licence in most states and territories. Licensing is administered by state bodies: NSW Police Licensing & Registry, Victoria Police (for security industry licences), Queensland's Office of Fair Trading, and equivalent agencies in WA, SA, and elsewhere. You can verify a licence online through your state's relevant authority.

Get a Quote Before Work Begins

Reputable locksmiths will provide a quote before starting. If a tradesperson refuses to give a price upfront or only offers a vague estimate, that is a red flag. Based on community data, after-hours quotes of $100 to $150 call-out fees are typical for reputable operators. Quotes significantly above $300 for a basic lock job warrant scrutiny.

Highly Rated Australian Locksmiths

Based on verified review data, the following businesses have strong track records: Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 3,017 reviews), Tas Mobile Locksmith (5.0 stars, 1,591 reviews), Wynns Locksmiths Preston in Melbourne (4.8 stars, 1,390 reviews), Express Locksmith Gold Coast and Tweed (5.0 stars, 1,375 reviews), and Sheehan Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 934 reviews). Across 704 locksmith businesses nationally, the average rating is 4.7 out of 5, and 82% offer 24/7 emergency service.

Warning: Scam locksmiths sometimes advertise deceptively low call-out fees (as little as $15–$29) then charge hundreds once on-site. Always confirm the total estimated cost before they begin work, and check that their Australian Business Number (ABN) is legitimate via the ABN Lookup tool at abr.business.gov.au.

Securing Your Property and Preventing a Repeat

Once your immediate security needs are addressed, take stock of how the intruder gained access and what can be improved. Many break-ins exploit weak points that are straightforward and affordable to fix.

Assess Your Entry Points

Check all doors and windows, not just the point of entry. Look for damaged frames, inadequate deadbolts, or flimsy sliding door locks. Australian Standard AS 4145.2 covers mechanical lock requirements, and locks meeting this standard offer a meaningful baseline of resistance against forced entry.

Upgrade Where It Counts

Install Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts on all external doors
Use door reinforcement plates or security strike plates with long screws (75mm minimum) to resist kick-ins
Fit security screens that comply with AS 5039-2008 on windows and sliding doors
Consider a monitored alarm system if you do not already have one
Add sensor lighting to entry points, driveways, and side gates

Document Your Valuables

Create or update a home inventory of serial numbers, photos, and purchase receipts for electronics, jewellery, and other valuables. Store this list in the cloud or off-site so it is accessible if your home is targeted again.

Tip: Many state police services offer free home security assessments. Victoria Police, NSW Police, and Queensland Police all run community crime prevention programs. Contact your local station to request an assessment.

Key Takeaway: Act in order: confirm safety, call police, photograph everything, contact your insurer, then call a licensed locksmith. Keep costs in mind — rekeying starts around $70–$130 per lock while emergency after-hours call-outs can reach $200–$300 or more. Use the break-in as a prompt to upgrade any substandard locks or entry points so your home is harder to target in future.

What To Do After a Break-In: A Step-by-Step Guide