Car broken into - Repair/Report?

prender

Hi,

I left my house this morning to find that someone had broken into my car (Ford Escort). Nothing was taken, as there was nothing to take, but there is a hole next to the drivers door lock where they forced in a screwdriver. The lock still works but I'm wondering what is the best way to go about repairing it? Do I need to replace the whole lock or can it just be filled with something-or-other? After a quick search I've come across something called lock plates. Does anyone have any experience of fitting these - is it easy to do/worth doing?

Another thing I'm thinking about is reporting it. I don't think for a second that I'll get anything from the insurance as I'm hoping the cost of repair will be less than the Excess. I have heard though that the simple fact of reporting it will necessarily involve the insurance company and so will effect my renewal whether they admit it or not.

Thanks in advance

markelock

report it to the Police it as it is a statistic that feeds into Police Reports. Whilst they'll probably never find the little fcukwit that did it, it will allow the Police to identify areas where they are performing less well (politically correct enough?)

more that are reported the more accurate the stats released are.

hewhoisnotintheknow

report it yes

as for the repair the lock will be fine to reuse, you might want to get a plate welded on the inside the prevent the same person coming back, and also to prevent it happening again, and then also stick one of those naff lock cover things around the lock to cover up the hole visually

the problem with making cars too secure is they will just do more damage to get in, if my car gets broken into i hope they smash the window which is much cheaper all round to get fixed!