Many of us leave our home in the sure knowledge that our doors and windows are locked securing our domiciles pending our return. But how secure is secure, and short of breaking windows or kicking doors, how can our security efforts be defeated? We need options!
Bump Key Proof Locks & Lock Bumping Prevention
Bumping a lock is a lock-picking technique and requires a special key. The specially configured key and spring is “bumped” or struck forcing the pins to lock in the open position. This is a real problem with older or cheap locksets, while the new sets are designed to prevent this simple technique. These newer sets that are designed to defeat this technique have various marks on the face of the dead bolt, a vertical line, plus sign or Underwriters Lab (UL) seal of security. Make sure you buy a tamper proof lock. High end older locks are expensive to replace, but a locksmith can replace the pins with heavy duty pins and springs or buy a light commercial grade lock. A bit more expensive but adds so much more security. Some of these locks can slow down or defeat even a determined thief employing picks and snap-guns.
Security through obscurity
“Security through obscurity” is the phrase that describes substandard mechanisms that are easily defeated with the proper knowledge. Locksport is a recreational lock defeating sport designed to illuminate the deficiency of a security product. Like a grey-hat hacker that finds vulnerabilities in software and hardware, so these exploitations can be addressed, Locksport participants hack locks. These practitioners feel that “full disclosure” of security products and their vulnerabilities is being responsible. The US Lock picking 101 site has some interesting information for doing research into the performance of various locks.
Slim Jim Car Opener
Vehicle locks were once defeated by the use of a ‘slim jim’, a shim with a hook slipped down the side of the glass unlocking the doors. Auto manufacturers now make this difficult and in cars with side airbags dangerous as the bag in the door can be tripped driving the slim jim up into the manipulator.
How to Fight Burglary
You have keyless entry so not to worry; well in the security wars the thieves escalate to defeat new technologies. Code grabbers scan the broadcast signal of keyless and remote vehicle entry and can unlock your car. Thieves are notoriously fast. They can be in and out of a car with cell phones, computers and GPS and other items in less than 45 seconds. They know they’re operating with severe time constraints and perform accordingly. Typical home burglars are in and out in under 8 minutes, as the typical response times on alarms are 15 minutes or more. Thieves time themselves to be in and out of a home in under 10 minutes. That is why burglary losses sometimes appear random at what the thieves steal on time versus perceived value. Guns, electronics and jewelry head the list. But items like collector eggs, bottle collections and coin collections are also taken. Though most are not Faberge eggs, these appear expensive even if they’re not. So on exiting your car use the inside lock key, that doesn’t broadcast your code. Simple procedure, yes it is, but an effective solution for defeating the ‘code grabber’.
Residential, Commercial & Automotive Locksmiths in KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS
In many cases security is a state of mind and developing good habits. Texan Lock & Key can help secure your home or business. Contact us for a consultation today!
