As a homeowner, it’s essential to protect your possessions from burglary, and your door locks are the first line of defense. However, some burglars may use different tools or techniques to bypass your locks subtly, making it hard to spot signs of tampering. To understand whether your locks have been interfered with, learn more about the signs of unwanted entry.

How to Tell If Your Locks Have Been Tampered With

1. Bumping

In a traditional lock, the tumbler contains a series of pins that correspond to the ridges on your key. When the key is inserted, it raises each of the pins past the shear line, allowing the tumbler to rotate and free the bolt.

Some burglars will try to overcome this by ‘bumping’ the lock. They do this by inserting a specialized key and tapping it with a mallet. The force jolts the pins upward, momentarily putting them above the shear line and allowing the burglar to open the door. If your lock has been bumped, you may notice shiny metal around the key opening that has been exposed by the force of the mallet. The lock may also be difficult to unlock with your standard key.

2. Picking

Although it’s less forceful than bumping, picking requires more time and expertise. A burglar will use a pair of small tools to push the pins up past the shear line, allowing them to unlock the door. If a burglar makes it inside by picking the lock, it can be hard to spot the signs of entry. If you suspect someone has entered your home, examine the keyhole closely. You may see small scratches on the metal from the picking tools.

3. Forcing

Unlike picking, a forced door lock is immediately evident. If one of your doors is in an area with low visibility, a burglar may simply choose to kick it in. This may leave splintered wood from the door or frame, a bent latch plate or deadbolt, and chipped paint around the door frame. Heavy-duty locks and an alarm system can help deter burglars from forcing their way in.

Whether you think your home has been entered by a burglar, or you want to avoid this possibility by taking precautions now, contact the team at Able Security Locksmiths in Kenvil, NJ. For more than two decades, they’ve been helping homeowners in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties stay safe with security features like heavy-duty door locks, CCTV systems, and window guards. Learn more about their services online or call (973)-584-3033 for service 24/7.