Do you know the tell-tale signs of someone tampering with your locks? As crime becomes more sophisticated, burglars no longer resort to throwing a brick through a window. They now have tools and equipment that helps them open doors in the same way a homeowner would — using the lock. However, as smart as these new methods may be, they’re not infallible and often leave an indication that someone has tampered with your lock. If you have your suspicions that someone may be trying to get into your home, here are some tell-tale giveaways that you may be right.

How to Tell Whether Your Home Locks Have Been Compromised

1. Scratched Locks

If you come home and notice unusual scratch patterns or marks on or around your lock that weren’t there previously, there’s a strong chance that somebody has tried to enter your home unlawfully. Would-be burglars will often use intricate metal instruments that they insert through the keyhole, and these can cause scratches around the lock. Other criminals use small drills to take the lock off entirely, so you should view with caution any sign that someone has tampered with your door.

2. Missing Keys

Are all your keys present and accounted for? If not, you should think about getting your locks changed. While there may be a perfectly innocent reason why you’re a key short (you may have given it to a family member while you were on vacation or your friend might have borrowed it to let themselves in when you’re not around), you never know who’s hands your key may get into. If you can’t categorically state where every key is, it’s safer to get them changed. And remember, that’s especially true when you move into a new home — you have no idea who will have a key to your front door, so don’t take any risks.

3. Damaged Latches

Bent or loose latches may not always be an indicator that someone has tried to break in, but they should always be checked and fixed as soon as you notice anything different or wrong. Latches are sturdy, so if something has been used with enough force to disfigure yours, it sounds like there may be some intent behind the damage. Keep your home secure at all times; after all, you can never be too cautious with home safety.

Richmond Hill Locksmith places their clients in Richmond Hill, GA, at the top of their list of priorities — and they can do so because they’re the only local mobile locksmith in the area. Whether you lock yourself out of your home or need new locks altogether, call this experienced team and, with their 24-hour mobile service, they’ll come as soon as they can. Remember to stay safe at all times and only work with reputable locksmiths. Go with a team you can trust — call them today on (912) 727-3878 or visit their website.