I Think Someone May Have Tampered With My Locks, What Do I Do Now?

If you have noticed that your home lock has been tampered with, or if it appears that someone tried to break in, you are probably experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress.

This blog will explain exactly what to look for if you believe your lock was tampered with, as well as detailing what actions to take with the help of an experienced locksmith.

Signs Your Lock Was Tampered With

If you suspect your lock has been tampered with, start with looking for these common signs:

Brute force . Signs of brute force include bent deadbolts or latches, warped doors or door frames, and the presence of small paint circles caused by moving the locking fixture. Criminals will often try to drill through a deadbolt, bash in a lock, or kick in a door. These actions often leave a trail of splintered wood and twisted metal.

Lock does not function . If there are no visible signs of damage, you may notice that the key does not turn properly. This could be an indicator the lock has been tampered with.

Bumping : By using a “bump key” – a dummy key of sorts – and hammering on the lock, a criminal can open the lock and gain access. When bumping is done correctly, it leaves little to no evidence. However, sometimes inexperienced burglars can leave identifiable marks. Signs of bumping include new nicks around the keyhole and shiny metal edges that look like they have recently been hit.

Picking : This occurs when a burglar employs small tools such as a pin or screwdriver to turn the lock and rake the pin tumblers. Once the tumblers catch the lock, the doorknob will turn. While picking requires much skill and patience, the method is gentler than bumping and may not leave a trace. A common sign of picking is tiny scratch marks and some exposed metal around the keyhole. It’s not likely to show dents or warped bolts.

How to Take Action

If you believe your lock has been tampered with, you will want to contact a locksmith as soon as possible. Take inventory of all your valuables and let your neighbors know about the attempted break-in. You may want to have a deadbolt lock installed, rekey, or install a new lock.