Do you wonder how some thieves get away with it without forcing entry in different houses? Most of them are pros at lock bumping. This is a technique that picks a lock using a bump key that is crafted. You would be surprised to know that lock bumps are easily accessible even through the internet.
Statistics reveal that most thefts use this technique to open your door effortlessly and steal property. The internet shows people how they can bump a lock and what you need to acquire a bump key. We know how scary it sounds, but we will enlighten you on everything you need to know regarding lock bumping including how you can prevent it. Find out more!
What is lock bumping and how does it work?
Most of us use cylinder locks as our security measure. It takes a little knowledge of a burglar to gain entry into your house by using lock bumping. A thief uses a cut key in your lock and bumps it open by using a screwdriver. The pins in your lock shear line as they turn the key to open your door.
It does not need a particular skill to master the art of lock bumping. In most cases, it works and opens your cylinder lock to gain access to your home without your knowledge.
How did it start?
This technique was not used as a criminal skill when it started. In the past, locksmiths used lock bumping to access your lock if you did not you have your key. It was an innocent act of saving you when you were stranded.
While lock bumping takes a few seconds, lock picking was the most used crime technique used in the past. It, however, took more time for a burglar to gain access to your home since lock picking needs training and specialized tools. Most criminals realized that lock bumping is easier than lock picking since it takes seconds and does not require any specialized equipment.
What does lock bumping need to work?
A burglar only requires a bump key to access your home. It should be compatible with the lock in size. The bump key should have deep ridges for it to work. In most cases, the depth of the bump key is nine while cutting it through a key making device. Most burglars refer the bump key as “999 keys.” It works like the original key of your lock.
The product and access to bump keys are easy since they can take a maximum of 5 minutes to make. It mostly work on high–end bolts than cheap locks that are not precisely cut. If you are using an old lock on your door, you could escape from the lock bumping.
Lock bumping does not show signs of forced entry. It, therefore, leaves you with no traces unless you catch them on the act. The only hindrance that can make a thief tense is the noise of the process of lock bumping. It can be a traumatizing theft when you don’t know where to start.
How can you prevent lock bumping?
Install chain latches
Your exterior doors should have chain latches to make it hard for a thief to bump your lock. It gives you an extra barrier to prevent a thief from gaining entry into your home.
Add pins on your locks
It is easy to bump a lock that has a few pins. If you don’t have enough money to replace the entire bolt, you can contact a locksmith to add pins on the existing lock.
Use locks that are bump-resistant
Fortunately, not all locks can be bumped. Bump-resistant locks may not come with a low price, but they can save you from a break-in. They are easy to install if you are trying to minimize installation cost. This will make you feel more secure even when you are not at home.
Utilize a security system
Call the CPI security team to install a security system at your home. This detects when your door opens whether you are home or not. It reacts by setting the alarm off and making the local authorities aware of lock bumping. It will inform them if a burglar has entered your home so that they can take measures to catch them before it is too late.
Consider a bump guard
This contains a side locking that is patented to work by replacing your traditional pins using a tumbler design to prevent lock bumping. The technology behind it is the smart key that also provides you with re-keying capabilities within thirty seconds. It prevents your key from being duplicated by unauthorized persons if you misplace it. It allows you to replace your key instead of the entire door lock.
Lock your windows
Sometimes, burglars who don’t have access through lock bumping look for alternative means such as going through an open window. Keeping them closed every night can save you from a burglary. Lock them if you have to be away from home for a while.
Shallow drilling
A locksmith can shallow drill your lock such that more than one pin stack appears shallower than the rest. If a thief tries to gain entry using lock bumping, it will not work thanks to the drilled pins that have been placed shallowly. It makes this pins high preventing the bump key to work.
Programmable bars
You can get a professional to use this technology on your lock. It uses sidebars in place of top pins making it hard to lock bump. You can find the technology in Bilock.
Consider an electronic lock
This comes with a key back-up that prevents lock bumping. Go for strong top springs that make your lock strong and hard to bump since they adjust the tuning of the ricochet. The technique makes it hard for a thief to bump your lock.
Final thoughts
Lock bumping has become a common trend among burglars. It makes our homes susceptible to thieves, but we can prevent it through the above ways. This technique should only be used during emergencies such as misplacing your keys. It is illegal to trespass and use such means to steal. Beware of this and make your home safe from lock bumping.
