Reports have been circulating recently in the national media, in law enforcement circles, and on the Internet about a method of burglary called “Lock Bumping.” Lock Bumping is a technique used by some burglars to defeat many standard household deadbolt locks and gain entry to the victim’s home quickly and quietly. While the technique has been known to burglars for some time, it has only recently surfaced in the popular media. The technique itself is not difficult to master, and most deadbolt locks currently in use are vulnerable to this method. These reports have heightened concern among some people about their own vulnerability.
Here, in broad terms, is how it works. First, a burglar has to obtain the right key blank. The blank must be grooved to fit into the keyway of the target lock. If he doesn’t have the right blank for the targeted lock, it won’t work. Next, he has to modify the key blank by filing the teeth into a particular pattern. This modified key is called a Bump Key. If he has done this correctly, he can then use the Bump Key to open any lock that it fits into. He does this by inserting the key and then striking it with a tool, hence the name “Lock Bumping.” This technique will work on most of the deadbolt locks in common use today.
But how big a threat is Lock Bumping to the residents of Camden? Well, here are a few facts to consider. First, remember that the burglar has to have the right key blank to begin with. If the blank doesn’t fit the keyway of your lock, it won’t work. Secondly, he has to know how to file it. This takes some specialized knowledge and skill, and if it isn’t done right, it still won’t work. Both of these conditions require that the burglar use some foresight, planning and preparation prior to the burglary attempt. Most of the burglars operating in the 4th Precinct simply are not that sophisticated.
By far, the most common forms of entry are still kicking open a door, or breaking the glass in a door or window, reaching in and unlocking it. None of these methods require a tool more sophisticated than a rock, or a technique more sophisticated than the application of brute force. In fact, to date the Minneapolis Police Department has not received any reports of Lock Bumping in the 4th Precinct. Lock Bumping does not appear at this time to be a major cause for concern in North Minneapolis.
None the less, this doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. Homeowners can protect themselves from this particular form of attack by upgrading their deadbolt locks to designs which resist bumping. These high security locks are designed in such a way that bumping won’t work. The down side is expense. These high security locks generally cost in the neighborhood of $100 apiece. Depending on the number of entrances to your home, you could easily spend over $200 or $300 just upgrading your locks. If you do decide to upgrade, look for locks that meet Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) standard 437. Ask your locksmith for specific brands of locks that meet this standard.
Is it worth the expense to protect yourself from a threat that we haven’t really seen in our neighborhoods? That’s a question that each of us has to answer for ourselves. The basics of home security still apply. While adequate locks, doors and windows are vital to home security, proper lighting, landscaping, security habits, and neighbors who watch out for each other are still every bit as important.