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Blaring alarms and broken windows are what people expect to find when an individual breaks into their home. However, criminals may be able to get in without leaving such obvious signs. If you’ve been away from your property, here are a few indicators that someone tampered with the door locks and a locksmith should repair them.

How to Tell if a Break-In Occurred After a Trip

1. Loose Door Knobs

In some cases, a burglar may try to gain entry by drilling into, altering, or removing the knob and lock fixture. You can tell this has occurred when the knob is physically loose—particularly when it is turned. If you spot unusual paint or dirt circles around the part, it’s possible someone moved and secured the fixture back in place.

2. Door Frame Damage

locksmithWhen intruders are in a hurry, they may resort to using brute force to free the lock and push the door open. If doing so did not physically damage the lock, you should still notice destruction around the door frame.

Look for splintering and warping around the door frame and lock. The strike plate—where the lock inserts into the door frame—may also be misaligned, broken off, or loose. Whenever this damage occurs, you may need to repair the frame and hire a professional to replace the locks.

3. Difficulty Turning Keys

After tampering, locks may not function as well as they used to. Whether due to bumping, picking, or forcing their way in, intruders can cause its mechanisms to deform. If this happens, your key might require extra force to turn properly and may no longer fit in the keyhole. In other cases, the key may work, but the deadbolt may not match up with the strike plate. Even if the tampering did not lead to a successful break-in, it’s best to have this damage assessed by a locksmith, as the entryway may be compromised and more susceptible to intrusion.

 

If lock tampering has you concerned about your home security, call Ability Lock & Key for dependable assistance. Serving the Piedmont-Triad area, NC, this mobile locksmith is equipped to repair and replace locks quickly and securely. Whether you require rekeying or want a deadbolt installed, these specialists will use the best products to ensure your entryway offers protection. For more information about their services, visit the locksmith online. You can also call (336) 784-0226 to request assistance today.

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