Tips: Prevent Lock ‘Bumping’

May 30, 2008

If your home is protected with an ordinary lock, it may not do you much good, says the National Crime Prevention Council.

Thieves have caught on to an increasingly popular technique called “bumping.” It is easier than traditional lock picking, which requires manipulating the pins inside the lock with small tools.

All that is needed for bumping is a “bump key” that is specially manipulated to pick the lock without other tools.

The National Crime Prevention Council wants homeowners to be aware of the prevalence of bumping, especially because there are many “how-to” videos online demonstrating how easy bumping is.

This is a huge problem because usually there are no signs of a break-in when bumping is done.

This means insurance companies may not cover it because “you probably left your door open.” Installing high-quality locks is a good defense against home burglaries, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.

“Not all locks can be bumped; consumers just need to know the differences,” said Clyde Roberson, director of technical services at Medeco Security Locks. “Consumers should consider using quality high-security locks for their home or business in order to have adequate protection from bumping and other forms of lock attack.”

The National Crime Prevention Council also recommends consulting a professional locksmith or security provider for advice on which locks protect against this and other forms of lock bypass.

Reduce Your Risk

Use high-security locks to mitigate the risk of bumping.
Consult a professional locksmith for questions about your current system or recommendations on a new locking system.
Use patent-protected keys to protect against unauthorized duplication.
Be sure to lock your doors when you are away from the home.

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