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Home Security--The "Lock Bumping" Threat
There is currently a lot of buzz on the Internet about the
emerging threat of "lock bumping." This is an old technique
used by burglars that can defeat up to 80% of typical
household dead-bolt locks. It is catching on with a whole new generation
of
burglars
in the U.S., Canada, and in Europe. (Using an easily obtained specially
cut generic "bump" key
and a small mallet.) This
video clip from Holland (with English subtitles) shows the technique.
And here
is another video, from here in the States. My advice
is to upgrade the locks on your exterior doors with top quality
locks
made
by Medeco or Schlage
Primus. These have special cylinders that are engaged
by "double cut" or "side-milled" keys. These
bump-resistant and pick-resistant locksets cost about $150 each.
Regardless of
the locks that you use, it is essential that you never let your
keys out of your personal possession, since a large number of burglaries
are accomplished by means of illicitly copied keys.
Never give a
parking valet your entire ring of keys. Never lend your house key
to a tradesman. (You should always be there personally to supervise
work in your home, regardless.) If you hire a maid, a cleaning service,
or a nanny that must have a house key, then do a thorough
background check on that individual. And if you have the slightest
suspicion that your key
might
have been compromised, then have your door locks re-keyed immediately.
OBTW, the bump technique can also defeat most padlocks. But fear
not--ultra high security padlocks with double cut keys
are also available. (For
example, the $180+ Sargent & Greenleaf
#833 or the not quite so expensive Medeco
"C" and "E" series padlocks.) I should
also mention that the real bargain on
the
market is
the U.S.
Army
surplus
arms room padlock (made by Sargent & Greenleaf), often available
via eBay, from Coleman's Surplus, that typically sell for around
$60.
