In this blog entry, the Myrtle Beach lock repair and Myrtle Beach emergency lockout service experts here at Myrtle Beach Locksmith will detail the process of lock bumping, and how to protect your property from burglars that resort to lock bumping in an attempt to gain access to your premises.
Lock Bumping
Lock bumping is a common technique that’s used to break through locks. It requires use of a bump key, which is customized with shaved down pins to hit the full depth of the keyway. The bump key is placed through a lock, and then a screwdriver or bump hammer is used to strike the key while slightly turning it. If it’s hit at the proper angle with the proper force, the lock’s keys will shift into open position, allowing the individual to gain access.
Protecting from Lock Bumping
It’s estimated that 2.5 million burglaries occur every year in the United States. One of the most common burglary methods involves lock bumping. This happens most often with cylinder locks that have pun tumbler mechanisms. You can protect from lock bumping by installing a bump proof lock (also called an anti bump lock) on your door. These locks are highly durable, constructed from sturdy and solid material, and usually come with an additional set of tumblers, making them highly resistant to bumping and picking. You can also install temporary lock guards which are installed on your lock to prevent criminals from being able to operate it – however, these have the drawback of being unable to be opened from outside.
If you like dogs, a guard dog can be a great way to scare off potential criminals so they don’t attempt to get into your house. If you don’t want to get a dog, you can install a fake dog alarm system that has a motion sensor and a speaker that is positioned near your door and automatically activates when someone is detected close to your door and window.
A more practical approach can be installing security hardware like security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors at your property. These can operate as a deterrent, discouraging potential criminals from even attempting a break-in once they see that some of this equipment is in place. The best security hardware is smart security hardware, linked together by a central hub that allows you to automatically be notified when suspicious activity is detected, and control your full security system from anywhere in the world. Contact Myrtle Beach Locksmith for effective solutions for all of your Myrtle Beach lock installation and door hardware needs.