From MPO Jeff Jensen on Lock Bumping

Lock bumping is real and also very simple and, as of February 2007, very well known because of the Internet. I don't know of anyone in the area experiencing it yet.Stories began circulating about lock bumping and because it was not widely known and represented a threat, folks forwarded the stories to friends and family as a warning to be aware of. Unfortunately, what also started circulating were detailed instructions about how to do lock bumping, which represented a threat in itself.

A Dutch video that began making the rounds of the Internet in 2005 may have marked the start of the spread of interest in lock bumping. Lock bumping is a simple technique of opening what are called pin tumbler locks, which are the most common locks in use for residential and business doors. Bumping involves customizing the type of key that fits into the particular kind of lock then tapping or hitting the key in just the right way and at just the right moment to cause the lock to open, therefore the term "bumping."


Bumping has become so popular that there are web sites that are openly selling bump keys for a variety of locks including a "bundle" of all of the keys for a special price. A manufacturing company is selling a special bumping tool that is used to tap the bump key in a lock.

There are locks that are not vulnerable to lock bumping. Medeco and Schlage Primus locks are advertised as unbumpable due to sidebars that must be aligned to a specific depth to enable pin movement and pins chiseled at angles to further thwart bumping. These locks are expensive, often much more expensive than some folks are willing or able to spend on locks. They are only available through locksmiths and security companies.


STEPS TO TAKE TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES AT BECOMING A VICTIM:

We are recommending folks secure their homes with a layered approach.

First would be to start a Neighborhood Watch and start looking out for each other. Neighbors should know who lives next to them and across the street and when they see someone suspicious hanging around a neighbors front or rear doors "call the police".

Make sure you lock whatever locks you do have.

Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back to allow the natural surveillance of folks driving or walking past. Don't give the bad guy a place to conceal his criminal actions.

Give your home the appearance that someone is home. Leave a radio or television on. Don't leave newspapers in the driveway, or let flyers or mail accumulate in the mailbox. Keep your lawn cut.

Consider an alarm system or put signs out that make the criminal think you have one. Use "fool the criminal" techniques to make them think that you have a dog. Put a chain outside by the rear door, maybe a “Beware of Dog” sign and a water bowl. This makes your home less attractive to the criminal.