For many of you the term "lock bumping" is something you've never heard of, you'll be blissfully unaware of the potential jeopardy your home and possessions are in due to this phenomenon.
Let me explain. " Many locks throughout the world use what is known as a pin tumbler mechanism, inside the lock there are a number of cylinders know as pins, when a key with the corresponding cuts is placed in the lock the pins are pushed back and the lock is opened. This is essentially how locks have been made for thousands of years.
The "Bump Key" exploits this weakness using simple physics. The key has been filed to give it a profile that will fit any lock of a corresponding size. It is inserted into the lock and then tapped with a blunt object (hammer, screw driver handle etc.) the kinetic energy from the strike travels up the key causing the pins to move,(Imagine hitting a cue ball on a snooker break, you hit the balls at the front but all the balls move) if the key is turned at the correct moment the lock will become free and the door will open.
This is a painfully easy technique to master and a small child can pick it up within a minute. This is why it is becoming the burglars favourite tool. It allows them to gain access to your home without having to break any glass, climb any drain pipes or carry any suspicious tools. He simply opens your front door and walks in.
This can cause problems when you try to claim on your insurance as there is no evidence of a break in. It appears as though the forgetful home owner has left his or her property unsecured.
To protect yourself you should consider changing your locks, there are many anti bump locks available and a little research on the internet will yield some positive results.
Obviously lock bumping isn't the only way a persistent house breaker can gain entry into your home and you should always bare this in mind when buying conservatories windows and doors. Web sites like Conservatory TV provide extensive coverage on security for your glazing products and are well worth a look when considering this kind of purchase.
