Safe Broken Into? Here’s What to Do Next

safe is meant to protect your valuables. But when a safe is broken into, it can feel like your trust has been shattered. Don’t panic. Act quickly, stay calm, and follow these important steps to reduce the damage and protect your assets going forward.

First Step: Inspect the Safe Broken Into

Start by examining your safe. Look for signs of forced entry such as dents, scratches, broken locks, or tool marks. Take pictures of everything. These photos will help with insurance claims and police reports.

Then, check what’s missing. Write down a full list of stolen items. Be as detailed as possible. Include serial numbers, descriptions, and estimated values.

Contact the Police Right Away

Always report a break-in. Treat a safe broken into as a crime. Call the police and file a report. Provide the officers with photos, item lists, and any other details they need.

Don’t touch or clean the area. The police might need to collect fingerprints or other evidence. Let them do a full investigation.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Once the police are informed, call your insurance company. Inform them that your safe was broken into and provide all available evidence.

The insurer may ask for the police report number and may send a representative to assess the situation. Keep all documentation organised to speed up the process.

Call a Safe Engineer for Assessment

A damaged safe needs professional inspection. A qualified safe engineer can assess whether the safe broken into is still usable or needs replacement.

Most likely, the integrity of the safe has been compromised. A full assessment will help you decide whether to repair or replace it.

For ongoing protection, don’t skip regular servicing. Learn more in our post How Regular Safe Inspections Prevent Costly Security Breaches.

Upgrade Your Safe Security

If your current model failed, it’s time to upgrade. SMP Security Solutions offers a range of high-quality safes built to resist tampering and forced entry.

Our safes include:
• British-manufactured safes tested to European and UK standards
• Dual locking mechanisms
• Custom installation options for homes and businesses

Choosing the right safe is critical. Don’t take chances. Browse our options or ask our team for personalised recommendations. Need help deciding? See our guide on The Importance of Made in Britain Safes.

And for smaller budgets, refurbished safes can offer great value without sacrificing protection. Read A Beginner’s Guide to Refurbished Safes for Small Business for details.

Improve Overall Home or Business Security

Check your doors, windows, and CCTV systems. Update passwords. Tighten up access points. Even the strongest safe can’t do everything alone.

If you’re storing valuables at home, consider where your safe is placed. Is it out of sight? Is it bolted to the ground? Our guide Home Security 101: Home Safes offers helpful tips on how to secure your safe better.

Record and Register Valuables

Always maintain an inventory of your valuable items. Include serial numbers, photos, and proof of ownership. Use secure apps or cloud storage to back up this information.

This not only helps with future claims but makes it easier for law enforcement to track stolen goods.

Explore Secure Alternatives

In some cases, storing high-value items offsite is safer. Private safety deposit boxes or secure storage facilities offer higher protection for jewellery, documents, and cash.

If your jewellery was stolen during the break-in, consider replacing it with high-quality, pre-owned pieces from Second-Hand-Jewellery.com.

This trusted family-run business offers beautiful, fully authenticated gold jewellery at a fraction of the cost. Each piece is carefully refurbished, UK hallmarked, and sustainably sourced, so you get genuine value, unique style, and complete peace of mind.

Whether you’re after a vintage ring or a timeless necklace, they make it easy to find something special without compromising on quality.

Final Thoughts

Discovering your safe broken into can feel overwhelming, but every step you take next counts. Report the crime, assess the damage, and improve your future security setup with the right help.

SMP Security Solutions is here to support you with expert advice, top-tier safes, and professional installations. We also offer refurbished options and British-manufactured products you can trust.

If your safe failed, don’t leave your next choice to chance. Talk to us today about finding the right secure solution for your needs.