Lock Bumping : Can thieves bump open your locks?

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Lock Bumping

Lock Bumping – A Danger or Not?

Ever since videos were posted on the Internet demonstrating how a thief could open a lock using a method known as lock bumping, members of the public have been concerned.

In case you haven't seen any of the videos, or read any of the reports, here is how thieves can bump open a lock,(without giving too much detail.)

This method works on locks of the pin tumbler type, the kind of locks where the key turns a cylindrical barrel in the center of the lock. The thief needs to obtain a key blank of the exact type used for the brand of lock in question and modify it into a bump key.

This blank needs to be filed in a particular way and, if used correctly and with the aid of a simple tool, can open up your lock for the thief.

The information was originally published on the Internet to make members of the public aware of this lock picking technique, so they could take measures to defend themselves against it.

A key blank of the exact type used for the brand of lock is modified into a bump key.

The spreading of the news did cause some alarm however. If detailed information about lock bumping is available to the general public - it is also available to criminals.

The fact is that the “bumping” method of opening pin tumbler locks has been around for decades. The information may not have been known about by most honest citizens but many burglars have long been aware of how to bump a lock.

While some dishonest persons may have learned about yet another method of breaking into your home, the spreading of information about lock bumping has, on the whole, had a positive effect. There are now many more quality locks available that can be described as Bump Proof or Anti-Bump and more and more homeowners are fitting such locks, and that can only be a good thing.

Is Lock Bumping a Danger for Homeowners?

Yes, certainly you should be aware of this technique of illegally entering premises. If the locks on your external doors are low quality, low security, you should seriously consider replacing them.

If the locks on your home have recently been fitted then they may already be of the bump resistant type. If you have keyless locks fitted then, by their nature, they cannot be opened by bumping.

Locksmiths have reportedly stated that bumping is not a skill that is as easy to master as the videos posted online imply. Not only that but bumping a lock is not always a quick operation, sometimes it takes several attempts.
Notwithstanding the above, fitting anti-bump locks would be a worthwhile home security precaution.

When it comes to insurance payouts some insurers may be hesitant to pay out to burglary victims who have had locks bumped. Why? Because lock bumping does not damage either the door or the lock, so it is difficult to prove that the door was opened by anyone other than the owner or a key holder. On the other hand, some insurers offer a discount for homes protected with bump proof locks.

Find Bump Proof Locks at amazon.com

Lock Bumping to Surveillance for Security Home.

Garage Door Security
Garage door security is vitally important. Of all your exterior doors your garage door is likely to be the most vulnerable, the door most likely to be left unlocked and even left open.