What you should know about your door locks

[RaInEdomThoughtz]

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Just how safe are you when you lock your door? We'll tell you what the crooks know - then you decide. It's called lock bumping - a phenomenon that's spreading fast, especially online. Just about anyone can break into a lock, using a specially cut key.

So why are we putting this out there? Because the crooks already know how to break into your home and we want you to know how to protect yourself.

If you never thought someone would break into your home with a key, you're not alone. In fact, Joann Leadbetter of Cape Girardeau had never seen anything like it. "When I was growing up we didn't have to lock our doors at all," she says.

Now Joann realizes even locking her door might not be enough, and worries about the safety of her granddaughter who lives with her.

Police say they're familiar with lock bumping, but have no proof thieves have used them in burglaries in our area.

Locksmith Dustin Wilson's made thousands of keys for customers, but he draws the line at making a lock bumping key. "I definitely wouldn't make something like that. You can tell when people come in on stuff like that you kind of know they're up to no good,' he says.

Wilson says any reputable locksmith would alert police, but that doesn't stop crooks from surfing the net in search of the keys. "Probably a lot of people like me wouldn't realize how easy it is to break in a lock," Joann Leadbetter says.

So how, then can you protect yourself?

Wilson suggests investing in a high security lock. It may cost more, but bring you some much needed peace of mind. "You can get a regular lock for $15 to $20, restricted ones we sell a range from $50 upwards of over $100 per lock," Wilson says.

Police also suggest some other alternatives. Having a pet, or motion activated security lighting can help keep away burglars. You can also invest in an alarm system or talk to a locksmith about installing complicated locks. It might be the best move you ever make.

We didn't show how to make lock bumping keys. Heartland News does not want to help criminals.

However, there is such a buzz on this on the internet we felt it's important to make you aware so you can keep your home and family safe. Some locks are bump proof. Medeco is one example. These locks are going to cost quite a bit more, but locksmiths say they are worth the extra security.

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My grandfather used to have several master keys--what he called "skeleton keys" on his key chain. I just say get you a good alarm system, good locks and be aware.

[LadyNoir]

Thank you for sharing. I saw this reported on the news some time ago, with a demonstration of, not how the keys are made, but of how it's done and how fast it actually takes to break into a lock this way. A fraction of a second is how fast it seemed when it was shown. Very scary! The time people spend learning new ways of committing crime...

[charliekilothree]

Those high security locks are much harder to pick. I have some on my doors. I found out about them back in the 80's when I worked with Diplomatic Security in the State Department. The pins have to turn at certain angles to allow the lock to open. A burglar would not want to spend that much time trying to pick it because time is their enemy.

[Corals]

Doesn't surprise me. A few months back I accidentally pulled the door shut and then realised that I didn't have my key. My sister had a spare key, and she has moved to Scotland, and my friend who had the other spare, couldn't find it. As I was only going to the corner shop, I didn't double-lock the door. I had to call the locksmith, who literally used a piece of card to open the door. I couldn't believe it. I asked him if that was all it took. He said it was a special piece of card, and I asked him, if that was really so. It cost me £110.00!! It was either that, breaking the door down, or waiting for the next train from Scotland!!

Now, regarless of where I am going, I always double-lock my door. I also keep a spare set of keys in my handbag, just in case.

[RaInEdomThoughtz]

Originally Posted by charliekilothree

Those high security locks are much harder to pick. I have some on my doors. I found out about them back in the 80's when I worked with Diplomatic Security in the State Department. The pins have to turn at certain angles to allow the lock to open. A burglar would not want to spend that much time trying to pick it bacause time is their enemy.

Are the high security locks similar to dead bolt locks?

[charliekilothree]

Originally Posted by RaInEdomThoughtz

Are the high security locks similar to dead bolt locks?

Not really. You can have high security locks with or without deadbolt design. A deadbolt is the better type of high security lock as long as the door frame is strong enough to prevent kicking the door open. A high security deadbolt on a high security door would be the best option. Most homes use wood frames on doors so you have to use really long screws to hold the receiving end of the deadbolt in place. The screws penetrate the stud behind the door frame for added strength.

[DBlack]

Thanks for the heads up! I never realized how easy it is to comprimise a lock. Charlie, your information is quite informative too.

I'm going to evaluate all of my doors and make sure deadbolts are on all the entry points.

Good Info!

[charliekilothree]

Originally Posted by DBlack

Thanks for the heads up! I never realized how easy it is to comprimise a lock. Charlie, your information is quite informative too.

I'm going to evaluate all of my doors and make sure deadbolts are on all the entry points.

Good Info!

You're welcome Sir.