Lock Bumping Their Way Through Your Doors

by John MacGregor
HomeOwnerNet Columnist

Most people choosing to upgrade their doors think that changing the locks with off-the-shelf products is all that's needed for security. In fact, traditional locks are easily being defeated now by an old locksmith's technique that's gaining favor with young punks -lock bumping.

New doors and lock technology

There's a new discussion at booths these days at many home and garden shows, where people talk about bump-proof locks. What are they? Did you know that an eleven-year old can learn to defeat most common door locks in a matter of minutes?

With some practice, anyone can break into a house in less than a minute with an easily obtained bump key and screwdriver. The National Crime Prevention Council reports that nearly two-thirds of all home break-ins now occur with no signs of forced entry. Some people may leave doors open by accident, and sometimes crooks use unauthorized key copies, but lock bumping has been catching on rapidly in the past two to three years.

With several Web sites devoted to explaining the technique of lock bumping, just about anyone can learn to pick a lock in about 15 minutes.

Different solutions for different doors

There are bump-proof designs for just about any kind of door imaginable - from decorative French door handles to beefy deadbolts. Bump-proof locks use two cylinders to foil thieves, and they can be installed in traditional locks to upgrade existing doors. You can also install bump-proof locks in brand new doors for your home. So stop off at the locksmith's to upgrade doors when you're strolling through the home and garden show and learn how to protect your valuables and family.

Sources

About the Author
John MacGregor is a freelance writer and real estate investor with degrees from the University of California in Comparative Literature and Law. He has bought and sold several homes for profit.