What Is Lock Bumping?

According to Statisca.com, 130,748 breaking and entering incidents took place in Canada in 2023. While the number of breaking and entering incidents was lower than in 2022, it’s an alarming statistic that calls for the right action and security knowledge to keep premises protected.

Security knowledge includes the concept of lock bumping. It is a common method that thieves use, so business owners, owners of institutions, and homeowners need to know what it is and how to prevent it. In today’s article, our Toronto commercial locksmiths will look at what lock bumping is and the specific locks that can be vulnerable to it. We’ll also explore how to prevent lock bumping using the right methods.

Lock Bumping: A Definition and Its History

When thieves pick tumbler locks with a specially crafted bump or ‘rapping’ key, this is known as lock bumping. Once a legitimate locksmith approach, Danish locksmiths used this method to bypass tumbler lock mechanisms.

But individuals have since begun to exploit this lock-picking technique. Many criminals now use this method to gain unauthorized access to premises, putting assets and individuals at risk.

What Makes Lock Bumping a Threat?

Being a simple process and a fast method that saves thieves time, criminals prefer this approach when trying to gain unauthorized access to premises. It works in just a few seconds, and since it doesn’t require extremely sophisticated, advanced tools or skills, it is relatively easy for them to access residential and commercial buildings.

Other factors that make this technique a threat include the fact that hardly any visible damage is left behind. This means that homeowners and business owners may find it difficult to know if a thief or criminal has accessed the building without authorization.

Multiple lock types can be targeted with this method. Typically, the older or standard pin tumbler locks are vulnerable, and can be found on many homes and businesses.

Methods to Prevent Lock Bumping

If you’re concerned about lock bumping, our professional locksmiths at Lock-Up Services recommend that upgrading, using anti-bump devices, and utilizing key control systems are some ideal methods to prevent it. Here’s more information about these methods:

• Upgrading to bump-proof locks and using anti-bump devices: When you choose to upgrade to secure locks with complex pin systems, you can minimize the chances of lock bumping. This is because locks with multiple security pins, such as high-security locks, not only have up to seven pins but also feature additional locking components, such as shallow pin stacks that can’t be bumped.
  With anti-bump devices such as anti-drilling, and anti-collision functions, you can make it difficult for thieves to use lock-bumping methods. A bump-resistant system will prevent pins and counterpins from aligning when bumping keys are inserted, so thieves cannot turn the key or open the lock.
• Utilizing key control systems: Using key control systems offers multiple advantages in terms of security. It helps you keep track of your company’s keys and record the distribution and return of each set. Since you have visibility into the authorized or permitted keyholders and can manage key distribution more efficiently, the chances of thieves accessing the premises due to unmonitored key duplication are reduced.

Extra Security Measures

Now, as well as these methods, there are extra security measures that we advise, such as using smart locks, utilizing reinforced door hardware, and being prepared by having a professional locksmith like Lock-Up Services complete a security assessment. Here, we will look at these methods in more detail:

• Smart locks: With a wide range of smart locks, you won’t require a traditional key to open the door. It can prevent lock bumping because they do not feature a pin and tumbler system. Instead, their advanced technology includes electronic components that thieves cannot manipulate, as well as tamper alerts or sensors to detect whether a criminal is attempting to gain forced entry.
• Reinforced door hardware: Strengthening strike plates or deadbolts is another way to minimize lock-bumping. These types of door hardware can complement locks with bump-resistant features. We therefore suggest using strike plates to reinforce the areas that may be vulnerable and installing high-security deadbolts. Deadbolts, in particular, add additional security since they extend into the door frame.
• Security assessments: You’ll need to identify vulnerabilities in your premises’ security systems, and this is where professional locksmiths can assist you. Processes like these can help you fix any vulnerabilities before any thieves or opportunists break into your property or business premises. They’ll help you stay a step ahead of thieves by reinforcing the locks and security infrastructure with the right upgrades.

2 Myths About Lock Bumping: Factors to Remember

It’s always best to approach anti-lock-bumping strategies with the right information, which can ensure your security techniques work efficiently. We advise being aware of the following myths to select and install the right security solutions correctly:

Myth 1: The high-end locks will always keep you safe

The fact is that even if a lock is high-end and costs a lot, this doesn’t mean it will always offer bump resistance. Thieves and criminals can still enter the premises despite complicated, high-cost mechanisms – it will just take them longer to enter.

Plus, other high-end locks, such as smart locks, may cost a lot and have advanced features. Yet, they will also be vulnerable to hacking, which can lead to a premises breach. In this case, you may require a 24 hours emergency locksmith service in Toronto to resecure the premises, change the locks, and minimize further risks to assets or personnel.

Myth 2: It’s Challenging to Get Bump Keys

The reality is that such keys are easy to obtain. These keys can be purchased online, so criminals can access a bump key relatively easily and use the lock-bumping method to breach your security without much difficulty. Yet, with the techniques listed above, you can make this more challenging for thieves.

Minimize Lock Bumping with Support from Lock-Up Services

Whether you’re concerned about thieves accessing your premises, worried about theft, or need a solution that keeps you safe, having knowledge of lock bumping and its dangers is critical. It brings a threat to your premises, and in many cases, you might not be aware that an individual has attempted to enter.

Make sure you evaluate your locks, consider lock repairs and installations if needed, and think about an upgrade to keep your home or business secure. Contact Lock-Up Services, our reputable Toronto locksmith, to minimize lock bumping and keep assets, individuals, and employees safe at all times.