01/13/2022
How can I tell if my locks have been tampered with? Here are three signs:
1. Brute Force
This is the hastiest, and therefore messiest, form of attempted break in. Often a criminal will try to bash in a lock, drill through a deadbolt, or kick down a door, leaving a trail of twisted metal and splintered wood. There are less obvious ways to force through a lock though, so you might also look for some of the following signs of unnatural wear. Signs of brute force are:
- Paint circles from lock fixture movement (like it was loosened and
re-tightened out of place)
- Bent deadbolts or latches
- Warped doors/door frames
If you notice that your key is suddenly harder to turn than usual, this could indicate pin deformation—a result of more refined methods of lock manipulation like bumping or picking.
2. Bumping
Since the early 1900s, locksmiths have used a secretive technique called “bumping” to open locks in a hurry. In 2005, a Dutch talk show revealed the process and, since then, the technique has been picked up by countless burglars worldwide. To do this, burglars file down the teeth of a key into several points, sort of like a little saw. Next, they insert this “bump key” all the way into a compatible keyhole and withdraw it one click. Then they strike it abruptly with a blunt object, withdraw one click again, and repeat until the lock tumblers have all caught. Finally, they turn the key and open the door. When done correctly, this method leaves little trace. Sometimes, however, hasty amateurs can leave identifiable marks.
Signs of Bumping are:
- Fresh nicks around the edges of the keyhole from pounding the
key a little too forcefully
- Shiny metal edges that look like they’ve been recently hit
3. Picking
The third and most traditional method of tampering with locks is “picking.” This is where a person uses small tools like a flat screwdriver to turn the lock and a pick (sometimes even a dental pick) to rake the pin tumblers. Like bumping, once the tumblers catch the lock easily turns. This takes more time and expertise than bumping, but is gentler and therefore unlikely to leave indications like warped pins or bolts. Nevertheless, as picks and shims (i.e., screwdrivers) wiggle around inside, they can cut into the edges, leaving marks.
Signs of Picking are:
- Tiny scratch marks, showing fresh, shiny metal around the key
hole (finer than from a key)
Prevention Strategies
Now that you know what signs to look for and how they happened, you can consider options for rectifying the problem. One of the best ways to deal with lock tampering is to change your locks to deadbolts, or upgrade them to hybrid digital/mechanical bolts.
You can also use a device which prevents turning of a deadbolt even after it is unlocked. And in brute force situations, having a sturdy door is ideal.
If you would like to know more or need our services, give us a call at (929) 333-4775, visit our website at www.kelowelding.com or send us an email at [email protected]!
