Burglars can target any neighborhood at any time. Homeowners would like to think that they are safe if they lock their doors, but the truth is that many commonly used locks can easily be picked or bumped, allowing burglars to gain access to a home while leaving no sign of forced entry.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council and the Department of Justice, about two-thirds of break-ins do not leave signs of forced entry. Criminals gain access through unlocked doors and windows and by picking or bumping locks.
How Criminals Can Pick or Bump Locks
Locks can be picked or bumped using a few simple tools. Criminals can purchase bump keys, which are special keys that have all of the valleys cut to the maximum depth so that they can fit into nearly all locks. The bump key is inserted in the key hole and tapped with a hammer or screwdriver to force all of the tumblers above the shear line.
Bump keys make it easy to open most locks sold at home improvement and hardware stores. A burglar with a bump key can open as many as 90 percent of locks in a matter of seconds. The technique is so easy to learn that even a child can do it.
Websites have been created specifically for criminals to educate others about how to break into homes and businesses without leaving signs of forced entry. Lock picking tools, bump keys, and instructions on how to make and use them are readily available online.
How to Protect Your Home from Burglars
Homeowners should be concerned about the dangers of lock picking and bumping. In addition to the possibility of theft, some insurance companies refuse to pay claims if there is no evidence of forced entry.
If your home has locks that were purchased from a hardware or home improvement store, it is very likely that they can be picked or bumped. One of the most effective ways to prevent this and keep your home secure is to install high-security locks that are much more difficult to manipulate than many common types of locks. High-security locks are specifically designed to not be able to be picked or bumped.
All American Locksmiths has installed high-security locks for homeowners across Connecticut. And when we say across Connecticut, we mean any and every town you can think of. Connecticut is our home, too. We take pride in servicing residents of Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Fairfield, and Hartford. This is not an exhaustive list, by the way.
We’ll proudly service any town in Connecticut; these are merely the most popular. When you choose All American Locksmith, you’ll get professionals who care about this great state. We travel to serve you, and as an added bonus, we get to stop at some of our favorite Connecticut restaurants. Need high-security locks near Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s in Bridgeport? How about Bar in New Haven? We’re happy to visit you near the Dew Drop Inn in Derby, too. Once we solve your lock needs, we’ll be treating ourselves to your neighborhood eateries.
What do we install, you ask? We can install high-security locks to keep your family and possessions safe. Our high-security locks can make it much more difficult for someone to break into your home and can give you peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.
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