Have you heard of "Lock Bumping?" It is a means by which criminals make adjustments to standard house keys, then use those keys to open people's doors (in ohter words, break in). It's called bumping because the techniques requires the criminal to "bump" the key (tap it). But here I might have used the word criminal a little loosely. If you were to go to the web and type lock bumping, you'll get a huge selection of videos and information about lock bumping, including videos on "how to" lock bump. Below is the the advertisment for an 11-key set that they claim to be able to bump virtually any lock in North America. 
Two brands of deadbolt locks are touted as "un-bumpable." They are Medeco and Schlage Primus. You can spend up to about $150 to order on line.
We don't have the the number of home break-ins in the Puget sound area as many large metropolitan areas. But there's no sense in taking a lot of chances. It only takes once!
Be safe!
Clients first, last and always. It isn't a motto. It's my commitment. Guaranteed service you'll tell your freinds about!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Al, that's scary. I've never heard of lock bumping before. I had an attempted break in last week when someone was caught climbing over my balcony and trying to enter the porch door at 3 a.m. Luckily, neighbors caught him before he got in. You can never be too safe, especially when you live alone. I am going to look into getting an 'unbumpable lock'.
Thanks for sharing this info.
It is scary,m and the most worrisome to me was all the traffic showing "how to." It's sad really...
Hi Al,
I saw a story on this not too long ago. It may have been on utube. I guess no matter what we do, criminals find a way, but at least we can give our best shot at being as careful as possible. Lacey, that must have really frightened you. You are both right, scary stuff.
Hi Big Al,
Thanks for the information. I had a client mention that (lock bumping) to me a couple of months ago. At the time I had no idea what she was talking about. I'm going have to look into "un-bumpable" locks, not only for myself but also for my clients.