Warning! Lock bumping

Apparently, there is a new method of breaking into houses called "lock bumping." This involves using a easy-to-make key and a hammer to open most house locks (including dead bolts) in about three seconds.

Here's a video newscast describing it:

Newscast video at YouTube


And here's the Snopes article confirming that it's not an urban legend:

SNOPES about lock bumping

Here's another website that explains why common "cylinder-type" locks are vulnerable. It also notes that with bumping, there is no sign of forced entry, which makes it more difficult to file insurance claims and police reports.

So what can you do? Well, bumping works with many locks, but not all. Soem newer lock types have complex mechanisms that prevent bumping, and electronic locks are not susceptible. Unfortunately the bump-proof locks can be expensive, and you may have multiple entries to your home.