Vandalism Repair in East London (Emergency Boarding Up & Make Safe)

Finding a smashed window, damaged door, or attacked shopfront is stressful — and it often happens at the worst possible time. The priority is simple: make the property safe, stop further damage, and secure the opening until repairs can be completed.

Boarding Up East London provides emergency boarding up in East London across the E postcodes (E1–E77) for vandalism damage to homes, flats, shops, offices and vacant properties. We’ve been trading for 10+ years, we’re fully insured, and our technicians are DBS-checked.

If you need urgent help tonight or out of hours:

Need help now? Call 020 4634 6384 for immediate assistance.
Prefer email? info@boarding-up-east-london.co.uk

When vandalism damage usually happens (and why securing it matters)

Vandalism can range from “just one pane” to major damage that leaves a property exposed. In East London, we’re commonly called out for:

• Smashed windows (ground-floor, side returns, stairwell windows, communal doors, rear extensions)
• Shopfront glazing attacks (cracked or fully broken panes, repeated impacts, frame damage)
• Forced entry attempts where locks or frames are damaged even if entry wasn’t gained
• Graffiti or paint damage around doors and windows (often alongside broken glass)
• Damage to vacant or void properties, where a small breach quickly becomes repeated access

Even if the damage looks minor, an unsecured opening can lead to:

• Further break-ins (opportunistic entry through a cracked pane or weak temporary fix)
• Weather ingress (rain and wind making internal damage worse overnight)
• Safety risks (sharp glass, exposed fixings, unsafe access points)
• Insurance complications if the property isn’t secured promptly

If you’re staring at a smashed window and searching “board up broken window” or “who can board up my window tonight in East London”, you’re in the right place — we focus on temporary boarding and making safe, then we leave you with clear documentation to support next steps.

What we do after vandalism: make safe, board up, and secure the property

Our job is to secure property after vandalism as quickly and safely as possible, without making the situation worse. Every call-out is different, but the approach is consistent.

1) Safety first: assess risks before fixing

When we arrive we’ll check:

• Loose shards and unstable glazing
• Whether frames are split, rotted, or pulled away from the wall
• Whether there’s internal access risk (e.g., reach-through to handles/locks)
• Any immediate hazards to the public (especially for street-facing shopfronts)

If there’s glass on the pavement or a dangerous opening at street level, we prioritise a proper make safe before boarding.

2) The right temporary boarding for the opening (not “one board fits all”)

We typically use:

• 18mm exterior-grade plywood for most windows/doors needing a stronger, more secure cover
• 12mm OSB for smaller openings or where a lighter, cost-effective temporary boarding is appropriate

We’ll choose the method based on the opening, the condition of the frame, and whether the property will be unattended.

If you need a specialist service, we’ll apply the appropriate solution rather than improvising:

• For damaged glazing: window boarding in East London
• For forced or damaged entrances: door boarding up
• For commercial glass fronts: shopfront boarding

3) Fixing methods that prioritise security (especially for unattended properties)

Where possible, we use secure fixing methods designed to reduce tampering, such as:

• Anti-tamper fixings to prevent removal from outside
• Internal bracing or anchoring where the reveal allows it
• Careful screw placement to protect what’s left of the frame and keep the board tight to the opening

If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll explain the options before proceeding. Sometimes the best temporary solution is a stronger, more “standalone” fix until a joiner or glazier repairs the frame.

4) Weather protection and practical considerations

Vandalism often leaves jagged edges and gaps. Where appropriate, we’ll:

• Reduce drafts and water ingress as much as practical with a temporary cover
• Leave safe access routes where needed (for residents, staff, or follow-on trades)
• Board in a way that supports a smooth replacement later (so a glazier isn’t fighting unnecessary damage)

5) Documentation you can actually use

After the job, customers commonly need evidence for landlords, managing agents, or insurers. We can provide:

• Time-stamped photos of the damage and the secured opening
• An itemised invoice
• A brief work statement describing what was done (materials and method)

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but we know what insurers typically ask for.

Vandalism repair vs. boarding up: what we can (and can’t) do

It’s worth being clear about terminology. Many people search “vandalism repair” when what they need urgently is emergency boarding up.

We specialise in securing and making safe, including:

• Temporary boarding to windows, doors, shopfronts, and other openings
• Short-to-medium term solutions where the property is at risk

What we don’t do as a core service:

• Full glazing replacement or carpentry repairs (we secure first so your chosen contractor can repair safely)
• Cosmetic restoration (e.g., painting over graffiti)
• Specialist cleaning or remediation

If you’re unsure whether you need boarding or a different fix, call and describe what’s happened — we’ll give practical guidance and a realistic ETA over the phone.

Need urgent emergency boarding up in East London? Call 020 4634 6384

Common vandalism scenarios we handle in East London

Vandalism doesn’t look the same on every property. Here are situations where we’re often called out across E1–E77:

Smashed window in a flat or house

A ground-floor or communal window gets broken, leaving the property exposed. We’ll board up the broken window, remove immediate hazards if safe to do so, and secure the opening with the correct board thickness and fixings.

Damaged door after an attempted break-in

Sometimes the door is kicked or prised, leaving the lock area weak — even if the door still closes. We can board up the door temporarily, and where appropriate discuss more secure temporary options.

For entry points that can’t be reliably boarded (or where longer-term security is needed), a temporary steel door may be a better fit. Call us and we’ll talk through the options based on how long the building will be unattended and the condition of the surround.

Shopfront boarded up after an attack

Commercial glazing is often large and exposed, and once it’s damaged it’s a magnet for repeat attempts. We can get a shopfront boarded up as a temporary security measure, helping you protect stock and reduce risk until the glass is replaced.

Repeat targeting of a vacant property

Void buildings can be hit repeatedly if they appear easy to access. In these cases, we’ll advise on a more robust approach than a simple sheet of plywood — especially if the property will remain empty.

What to do immediately after vandalism (practical steps)

If your property has been vandalised right now, these steps help protect you, your tenants, and your claim.

1. If there’s immediate danger, call 999.
   If suspects are nearby or the area isn’t safe, don’t approach.

2. If it’s safe, take a few photos before anything is moved.
   Capture the opening, the surrounding frame, and any damage to locks/handles. Don’t risk injury for a better picture.

3. Report the incident and get a crime reference number.
   Keep it to hand — insurers and landlords often ask for it.

4. Call your insurer or managing agent as early as possible.
   Ask how they want temporary works recorded, and whether they have preferred contractors for follow-on repairs.

5. Call us to secure the opening.
   We prioritise urgent jobs and will give you a realistic ETA on the phone.

Need out of hours help to make safe and secure property after vandalism?
Call 020 4634 6384

How long does vandalism boarding last?

Most temporary boarding is designed to last days to weeks, depending on exposure and risk. If the property is:

• Occupied, we can often board in a way that keeps things safe until a glazier arrives.
• Unoccupied, security needs to be stronger, as the risk of removal or repeat entry is higher.

If you believe the property may be vacant for a while, tell us when you call — we’ll recommend a suitable method rather than a quick fix that won’t hold up.

Insurance notes for vandalism boarding (what helps your claim)

Insurers typically want proof of:

• What was damaged
• When the damage occurred (or was discovered)
• What immediate steps were taken to prevent further loss

Helpful tips:

• Keep the crime reference number
• Keep receipts/invoices and any time-stamped photos
• Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurer confirms (where practical)
• If you’re a tenant, inform the landlord/managing agent promptly

For more guidance, see: insurance claims support

Related services for vandalism damage (choose the right fix)

Vandalism often affects more than one weak point. These services are commonly used after an incident:

• If you need to board up a smashed window: window boarding in East London
• If the entry point is a door or the lock area is compromised: door boarding up
• If it’s a retail/commercial frontage: shopfront boarding
• If damage is overhead (skylights, roof openings): roof boarding

For urgent attendance at night, weekends, or bank holidays, start here: emergency boarding up

FAQs: Vandalism repair & boarding up in East London

Do you cover my postcode in East London?

Yes — we cover E postcodes across East London (E1–E77). If you’re unsure, call and we’ll confirm coverage and provide an ETA based on workload and time of day.

Can you board up a smashed window the same day?

Often, yes — we prioritise urgent jobs and aim to attend as quickly as possible. We don’t guarantee fixed arrival times because traffic and live call-outs vary, but we’ll give a realistic ETA when you call.

Do you work out of hours for vandalism incidents?

Yes. We provide out of hours and 24/7 boarding up support for vandalism, including when you need a shopfront boarded up overnight or to make safe after an incident.

Will boarding up stop someone coming back?

Boarding significantly reduces risk, especially when installed with appropriate thickness and anti-tamper fixings. No temporary solution can promise “zero risk”, but good boarding makes forced entry far harder and helps deter repeat attempts.

What if the window/door frame is damaged as well?

We can still often secure the opening, but the fixing method may change. If the frame is too compromised for a standard approach, we’ll explain options before proceeding so you can choose the safest and most secure temporary solution.

Can you secure a shopfront without shutting the whole business?

Where possible, yes — it depends on the damage, the layout, and the security requirements. We’ll talk through what you need (protecting stock, maintaining access, meeting insurer expectations) and secure the opening accordingly.

Do you provide paperwork for my insurer or landlord?

Yes. We can provide photos, an itemised invoice, and a short work statement describing what was done. For claims guidance, see insurance claims support.

I’m not sure if it’s vandalism or attempted burglary — does it matter?

Not for securing the property. The immediate need is to make safe and secure the opening. If you can, report it and obtain a reference number; your insurer may categorise it later.

Get help with vandalism damage in East London

If you need to board up a broken window, secure a damaged door, or get a shopfront boarded up after vandalism, we’re here to help across East London’s E postcodes.

Need help now? Call 020 4634 6384 for immediate assistance.
Or email: info@boarding-up-east-london.co.uk