First steps

If you think anyone is still inside, leave and call SAPS or your armed-response company. Don't go in.
Report the break-in to SAPS and get a case number. Your insurer will likely want it.
Photograph the damage to doors, locks, gates and burglar bars before anything is repaired.
Check whether any keys, remotes or access tags were taken, including spare keys kept in a drawer.
Then call us to make the doors and gates secure.

What we repair

Locks and cylinders that were forced or damaged.
Doors that won't latch or lock because the strike or keep was torn out of the frame.
Gate and trellis locks that were damaged, and padlocks that were cut.
Safes that were attacked and now won't open or close: see safe repairs.
Locks that need changing because keys were stolen.

Frames and doors that are badly split may need a carpenter or a door installer as well. We'll tell you if that's the case and make the door as secure as possible in the meantime.

If keys were taken

When keys disappear in a burglary, assume whoever took them knows which doors they open. Changing the cylinders or locks on every door those keys fit is the safest step. On many doors that means a new cylinder rather than a whole lock. Our page on lock replacement explains the options, and landlords may want to look at key control for landlords to keep track of the new keys.

Thinking about upgrades

Once the immediate repair is done, it's worth looking at the weak points. That may be a stronger cylinder on an aluminium door, a better deadlock on an older door, or a more robust padlock on burglar bars and gates. Our guides to padlocks for gates and burglar bars and locks on older doors help you compare. We'll only suggest changes that suit your door and your budget.

Cost and paperwork

R250 call-out fee. The technician assesses the job on site and gives you the price before any work starts. Nothing is done until you agree. You'll get an invoice for your records, which you can pass on to your insurer if you claim. Pay by EFT, cash or card.

Lock brands we work on

These are the lock and security-gate brands you'll find on most Johannesburg doors and gates, sold by Builders, Cashbuild, Leroy Merlin and locksmith suppliers across Gauteng. If yours isn't listed, send us a photo.

UnionMortice locksets, cylinders, gate locks
YaleLocksets, padlocks, smart locks
TrellidorSecurity-gate locks
CISACylinders, gate and door locks
Mul-T-LockHigh-security cylinders, padlocks
dormakabaCommercial locks and key systems
ABUSPadlocks
Master LockPadlocks

Brand names belong to their owners and are used only to describe what we work on. We're not an agent of, or endorsed by, these manufacturers.

Where this service is available

We provide break-in lock repairs as part of our mobile locksmith service across Johannesburg. Areas we're often asked about include:

All Johannesburg areas we cover

Questions customers ask

Will you come straight after a burglary, even late?

Yes. We're open 24/7. Getting the house or office lockable again that night is often the main concern.

Should I wait for the insurance assessor before repairs?

Check with your insurer. Most people photograph the damage and make the property secure straight away, but your policy may have its own requirements.

Do you fix burglar bars and doors as well as locks?

We repair and replace the locking hardware. Bent burglar bars, damaged gates and split door frames may need a welder, gate company or carpenter, and we'll tell you if that's the case.

Break-In Lock Repairs in Johannesburg