Wanting your home to be secure isn’t paranoia. Whether you live alone and your home is full of the possessions you have worked so hard for or you have a family you want to protect, you need to make sure your house is fully protected. While locks are a standard, the problem is that many basic locks aren’t bump-proof. And that’s a major problem if someone tries to break in who knows the very simple process of bumping locks to break in.

What Is Lock Bumping?

Lock bumping is a technique that has been commonplace for many decades, and became especially prominent and widely used in the 1970s. Since many locks use a tumbler system, the idea is that a bumper key could be used with tools like a hammer, tap, or similar tool to put extra pressure on the back of the key. This would cause the pins to “jump” in the lock and that would allow a locksmith to get into the door, even without the right key.

This is a common technique still used by most locksmiths in most situations where a key isn’t available.

Who Is Vulnerable?

A surprising number of people. In fact, estimates have the number at 90% of all locks in the United States still being vulnerable to this type of break-in attempt. That means there are very few locks that actually aren’t at risk right now. While bumped locks do show evidence of having been tampered with, this doesn’t do you any good if your home has already been broke into.

This means that many people are potentially at far more risk than they think. Especially those who think they’re safe with their current locks.

Why You Might Want to Consider Installing Bump-Proof Locks in Your Home
The good news is that there are some options for getting high security locks that can keep your home safe. When contacting a local locksmith you should ask specifically for the installation of “bump & pick-resistant” locks. These are designed with built in defenses and security features that can help stop all the most common practices that individuals can use to bypass a lock and break in.

These not only protect against bumping, but often have features in place to stop picking, drilling, or “skeleton key” type attacks. In addition to this, these locks just tend to be move heavy duty meaning heavier materials, construction, and a better overall lock system.

There are also light commercial grade locks that are bump proof. This might be a bit of overkill if you don’t have a small business, and really good bump proof residential locks will be just fine the majority of the time, but it is good to know that you have options available.

Why You Might Want to Consider Installing Bump-Proof Locks in Your Home
Generally speaking if someone is looking to break into a house, they are going to have just the basic tools. Having stronger locks adds a layer of protection from the most common potential issues that can help truly keep you, and your loved ones, more safe and secure.