Jul 27, 2009 12:07 am US/Eastern
Consumer Alert: Don't Be A Victim Of Lock Bumping
Special Keys That Can Get Through Most Locks, Along With How-To Videos, Found On Internet; Expert: Protect Yourself
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
In this tough economy many people have begun to worry increasingly about home burglaries. So how safe are you? According to FBI statistics, the most burglars, a third, will enter right through the front door.
And as CBS 2 HD found out, it's easier than ever for even a first-time burglar to break into your home.
Locksmith Carl Campbell is breaking into a house -- or more accurately -- lock bumping. Just like lock picking, it's legitimately used by locksmiths around the world, but increasingly, it's become a way for burglars to break in.
"If you have four or five of these special prepared keys, you could walk up to 80-90 percent of the locks and have a good shot at opening them up," Campbell said.
Homeowner Virginia Doetsch told CBS 2 HD even though she sells homes and sees lots of high-tech alarm systems, when it comes to her own home, "We could do better in the lock department. We have an alarm system. We have a large dog, but this house was built in the 1930s and I believe the locks are original in most of the house."
Campbell said it's exactly that kind of home that can be vulnerable, especially to a burglar armed with a bump key.
And yet CBS 2 HD was able to find a complete set of keys online in just a couple of minutes. Another quick search showed us the how-to videos, so we could figure out exactly how to pull this off.
And while it is not legal to send lock pictures or car opening tools through the mail … "They don't have anything about bump keys," Campbell said.
The best way to protect yourself is to get a professional lock certified by Underwriter's Laboratories.
"Little UL with the circle and the number 437 to make sure that they are picture resistant and drill resistant," Campbell said.
The keys are also not copy-able. While it costs about $200 installed, more than you'll pay when you do it yourself, the protection is priceless.
"An alarm doesn't go off until they're in your house," Campbell said. "Locks are your first line of defense to keep them out of your house.
"Once someone has sights on your house to break in there's probably very little chance that they're going to walk away," Doetsch added.
But with the most secure locks, hopefully a burglar will set his sights elsewhere.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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