Key-Bumping easily lets in burglars

 

A relatively new security problem is the threat of “bumping,” in which someone with a ‘bump key’ can open most locks that are commonly used in homes.

In the 1970s, locksmiths in Denmark shared a technique for knocking on a lock cylinder while applying slight pressure to the back of the lock plug. When the pins would jump inside of the cylinder, the plug would be able to slide out freely, thus enabling the locksmith to disassemble the lock quickly.

Lock bumping, also called key bumping or bump keying is a lock picking technique used to unlock standard pin tumbler cylinders with a bump key.

The bumping method could be misused by criminals to gain unlawful access with a bump key and is a growing problem globally. Bumping attacks are becoming widespread in international media as bump keys can be used to unlock most standard residential cylinder locks which are not bump resistant.

Most homes use standard cylinder locks which are vulnerable to lock bumping.

The bumping method is non-destructive. When a bump key is used to break into a house there may be no signs of forced entry or damage to the lock.

The bumping method has become common knowledge through media reports & popularity on the internet.

What can you do about it?
First, awareness of the vulnerability is your first major step. Most people have never heard of this method and don’t know how easy it is for burglars to get into your home.

Buy locks and deadbolts that are specifically designed to be bump-resistant.

Use a burglar alarm system.

There is another type of effective product which works if you are inside the house,
a Security Bar.

Video news report from CBS5 about key-bumping

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