Bumping has become somewhat of a crime epidemic because it
takes no particular skills for a person to break into a house or business. The perpetrator only needs to watch a video
online to learn how to create a bump key or can even purchase them at a
website. Bumping leaves no sign of
forced entry, which often means your valuables will not be covered by
insurance, because it appears the door was left open.
Bumping is done by filing down ridges on a key from a particular
manufacturer, such as Kwikset or Schlage.
The filed key will meet up with pins on the inside of a lock where the thief
will bump the key with a rubber mallet, thus jarring the pins and unlocking the
door.
.But there are defenses against bumping.
High Security Locks: Installing high security locks that are
resistant to bumping as well as picking and having strike plates that prevent
kicking the door in is the best defense to bumping. Most high security locks
have key duplication controls –which allow only certain locksmiths to make
duplicates and key owners must provide special ID cards for duplication.
Keyless Entry Locks:
Replacing your key lock with a keyless entry lock which uses a code also is a
bump free alternative. They are not a
perfect security system, but they are much safer than run-of-the-mill locks
used on most home and business doors.
Check Your Insurance:
Many homeowners’ insurance companies will cover your belongings after a robbery
whether the house was locked or not, yet this depends on the agency and
state. Some require evidence your home
was locked, so review your particular policy concerning this question.
Get an Alarm: Having
a monitored security system alarm for home and business will help, even though
a “bumper” may be able to intrude. He or
she still will not know how to disarm the alarm and help may be on its’
way. Noise does scare off many
intruders. Having such an alarm system
will help with insurance coverage of valuables.
If you have a monitored security system, a “bumper” may be
able to get in but he still won’t know how to disarm your alarm, providing you
protection in a number of ways, including with your insurance company.