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3 Main Practices of Lock Tampering

Functional locks are the best way to provide yourself and your property with safety and privacy. It is the first obstacle in the way of burglars or intruders. That's why bumped, drilled or even broken door locks are something that most of us have dealt with. Obviously, unpleasant situations like this bring a lot of trouble and stress, especially when the burglar manages to break the lock and get into the house. Still, if we cannot predict when the intruder will try to break into our property, we can always improve our locks or install a home security system to make it harder for the criminal.

If you need the assistance of a professional locksmith - Sure Lock & Key may be the wisest option! We offer all types of residential locksmith services and would like to resolve any of your locksmith issues! In addition, we also considered the most essential signs that the lock has been tampered with. So read on and learn more!

Lock Bumping

Lock Bumping
If you are like 90% of Americans and use the old-style cylinder lock for your front or back door, this part of the article is for you. To open this type of lock, burglars most often use the technique of bumping. Still, to be fair, this practice of lock tampering was invented by locksmiths and was used for quick opening without a key. This technique is also popular among burglars because it does not require any special equipment or a lot of effort. To bump the lock, intruders frequently use a random key that is filed down to get the shape of a little saw. The burglars insert the key in the lock and try to turn it in the keyhole by continuously striking it with blunt objects until the door opens.

However, this tampering practice leaves a lot of signs that indicate that someone has tried to open your lock with force. The most common signs of lock bumping are fresh nicks around the keyhole, which you can easily notice on the shiny metal material of your door lock. You can also recognize it by the creasing edges of the keyhole or lock.
Lock Bumping

Brute Force

This tampering practice is undoubtedly one of the messiest and most energy-consuming of the others. However, burglars frequently use this technique when they don't have much time, as they can be easily noticed. The intruder may try to break or drill the lock or knock down the door to break into your property. Still, as this method is not the neatest, it also leaves a lot of signs of brutal force and you can easily spot the crime. The most obvious of them are twisted metal parts or splintered wood of the door. You can also notice the color circles because of fixator movement, bent deadbolts and latches or deformed door frames.

Lock Picking

Lock Picking
The other most common practice of lock tampering among burglars is lock picking. Yet, in comparison with the previous technique, this one required some skills, equipment and patience. To pick the lock, burglars use a screwdriver or any other flat and small object to get into the keyhole and turn the lock. Additionally, they also take the rake to pin the tumblers inside the lock and open it. This tampering practice leaves less noticeable signs of intrusion. Yet still, there is one that definitely can indicate the break-in attempt. If you take a closer look at your door lock, you can see the tiny scratch marks around the keyhole. Also, if your key does not work as usual while you are opening your door lock, it may also be one of the signs of lock picking.

Lock Picking

Summing up

Break-ins are one of the most stressful situations which home or business owners may, unfortunately, have to deal with. Still, you can always count on the helping hand of a professional locksmith with Sure Lock & Key! Whatever the problem is - broken or tampered lock, or you want to install the security system - call us, and we will be pleased to assist!

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