Lock tampering is a serious threat to any business owner. Signs of a tampered lock can be difficult to detect and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Signs vary from visible dents and scuff marks around the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, or even missing hardware from inside the door frame. In this post, we will discuss signs you should look for that indicate your lock has been tampered with and measures you can take to help prevent unauthorized entry into your business!
Signs of lock picking include marks on the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, and even missing hardware from inside your door frame. Signs your lock has been tampered with can be difficult to detect if you don’t know what to look for. Sometimes the best resource is common sense, if something on your door lock doesn’t seem right or the keyhole seems to lose or tight chances are your locks have been tampered with.
Bent deadbolts and/or door frames may indicate tampering. Scratch marks around the keyhole or small dents on hardware could also be signs of entry attempts. If something seems out of place, you may want to consider contacting a locksmith as soon as possible.
Lock bumping is a technique that uses a lockpick gun to quickly open most pin and tumbler locks. It only takes seconds for someone using this technique to gain access to your property, which makes it an attractive option for burglars if they believe the area has been compromised by somebody else or if their primary method of entry may have failed.
This technique if done correctly by a burglar may leave no obvious signs. More info about bumping can be found in this Wikipedia article.
If you suspect an attempt at forced entry, contact your local police department and then call a locksmith for help assessing the situation and preventing future break-ins.
If you recently purchased your property or had an attempted break in, you should re-key your locks as soon as possible. Rekeying locks reduces the chances of a burglar coming back and trying to break in again. A locksmith should always be your first call when you suspect lock tampering has taken place.
Examine your home’s doors for security flaws. Sliding glass doors or those constructed of flimsy wood are easy targets for would-be intruders. Make sure your outside doors and windows are made of robust wood or metal, as well as that they’re securely locked and bolted when you depart.
You’ll need stronger locks or additional security features to minimize the risk.
You can’t always prevent someone from trying to access your home but you are in control of the work they have to do to get inside.
These preventive steps will help ensure that if somebody does try to break into your home, their efforts won’t be successful. If it turns out that somebody has tried and failed again then this is not a sign to relax your guard, there could be something else they are trying. They could also appear when you least expect them like when the kids are home alone or in the middle of a party!
Some burglars will give up if it looks like their attempt has failed but others may come back with more determination and aggression. The best thing you can do is arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look for and how to prevent it.
Lock tampering or a brute force entry is a serious threat. If you suspect that your lock has been tampered with, don’t wait until it’s too late! Signs vary from visible dents and scuff marks around the keyhole, scratches around the door handle, or even missing hardware from inside the door frame. For more information on how Armstrong Locksmith can help protect your property today call us at 615-625-8000
