The Most Common Types of Door Lock Tampering<\/p>\n
Trying to figure out if a burglar has been tampering with your lock can be difficult, especially when the signs are not obvious and you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to carefully examine your door lock if you suspect something doesn\u2019t look right.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a homeowner or a tenant, door lock tampering is something you need to deal with as soon as you recognize the signs.<\/p>\n
Here are the most common types of lock tampering you should pay attention to.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
1. The Use of Brute Force<\/strong><\/p>\n When a burglar uses brute force to attempt a break in, they will try to bash in the lock, drill through the deadbolt or kick down the door. If one of these signs weren\u2019t visible when you last locked your door, then it most likely means someone attempted a break in and you should report it to the police right away.<\/p>\n 2. Lock Picking<\/strong><\/p>\n Another common type of door lock tampering is lock picking. This method is preferred by burglars because it usually leaves little to no signs. Tiny, fresh scratch marks or the appearance of shiny metal around the keyhole, which is finer than those created by a key, are usually signs of lock picking.<\/p>\n In some countries, such as Japan, Hungary, or Poland, it\u2019s illegal to own lock picking tools, and the penalties are quite strict.<\/p>\n 3. Lock Bumping<\/strong><\/p>\n Lock bumping is a technique that doesn\u2019t require special equipment. It\u2019s one of the fastest and easiest ways for burglars to break into a home. This method can leave a few traces, such as nicks around the edges of the keyhole, or shiny metal around the edges, which is due to the forceful hitting.<\/p>\n Having a bump-resistant lock can protect you from this type of break-in, so it\u2019s worth considering when you decide or need to change your door lock.<\/p>\n In the UK, the government created the British Standard TS007 Kitemark which rates locks from a bumping point of view from one to three stars. The higher the star rating, the greater the protection it offers.<\/p>\n
\nThis method of breaking in may leave more obvious signs, such as paint scratches around the door frame, bent deadbolts, warped doors or frames and debris of wood in case you have a wooden door.<\/p>\n
\nSmall tools, such as flat screwdrivers and a pick, are used to turn the lock and rake the pin tumblers.<\/p>\n
\nAt the same time, the process is quite noisy, so it can definitely draw the neighbours\u2019 attention.<\/p>\n