How To Tell If Your Lock Has Been Picked
Oct 01, 2021
How To Tell If Your Lock Has Been Picked
One of the techniques that burglars use to gain access into your home or office is lock picking. In essence, picking a lock is the act of manipulating the pins inside a lock using small tools such as a screwdriver. Unlike bumping, locking picking doesn’t cause visible damage to a lock, so it can easily go unnoticed.
Let’s look at the signs that your locks have been picked:
Scratch Marks Around the Keyhole
Burglars use a range of small tools such as pins and screwdrivers to pick locks. These tools may cut into the edges, leaving tiny scratch marks around the keyhole. Keep in mind that lock picking is gentle, and burglars are usually very keen when picking locks, so you'll need to look carefully to notice these marks.
No Signs of Forcible Entry
Another possible sign that your lock has been picked is when you’re certain someone has entered your house, but there are no signs of forced entry. The person may have used other means such as compromising your window to gain entry into your house, so it's a good idea to check if there are any accompanying signs. Whatever the case, you'll need to take measures to secure your home or office if someone breaks in. You can call a nearby locksmith to inspect your locks to determine if they've been picked.
Lock Doesn’t Function Properly
If there aren’t visible scratches around the keyhole, you may notice that your lock isn’t functioning properly. The key may fail to turn the way it normally does. There could be other reasons why your lock may not function properly, but if there are accompanying signs, you can be sure that your lock has been picked.
Damaged Lock
Lock picking doesn't leave dents, bent deadbolts, or warped door frames because it doesn't involve brute. However, the tools used to pick locks can cause damage to a lock's operation.
Shiny Metal Around the Keyhole
If you notice any of these signs, contact a locksmith as soon as possible. At Fast Austin Locksmith, we are always on standby to respond to all of your locksmith needs when you call us. Our locksmiths have all the tools and equipment needed to repair your locks, install new locks, and upgrade your home’s security system.
Prevention Strategies
Now that you know how to tell if your lock has been picked, it’s important to take measures to protect your locks against lock picking. One of the most effective ways is to install fool-proof locks and lock guards. You should also install outdoor cameras in your property to deter thieves.
Contact Fast Austin Locksmith If Your Lock Has Been Picked
If you believe your lock has been picked or tampered with, it’s advisable to call a dependable locksmith to help you rekey your locks or change the locks entirely. You should never ignore signs of an attempted break-in. At Fast Austin Locksmith, we can rekey, repair and replace different types of lock brands, models, and types. Our knowledgeable and experienced locksmiths will come to your location and get the job done correctly.
How To Tell If Your Lock Has Been Picked
One of the techniques that burglars use to gain access into your home or office is lock picking. In essence, picking a lock is the act of manipulating the pins inside a lock using small tools such as a screwdriver. Unlike bumping, locking picking doesn’t cause visible damage to a lock, so it can easily go unnoticed.
Oct 01, 2021
Let’s look at the signs that your locks have been picked:
Scratch Marks Around the Keyhole
Burglars use a range of small tools such as pins and screwdrivers to pick locks. These tools may cut into the edges, leaving tiny scratch marks around the keyhole. Keep in mind that lock picking is gentle, and burglars are usually very keen when picking locks, so you'll need to look carefully to notice these marks.
No Signs of Forcible Entry
Another possible sign that your lock has been picked is when you’re certain someone has entered your house, but there are no signs of forced entry. The person may have used other means such as compromising your window to gain entry into your house, so it's a good idea to check if there are any accompanying signs. Whatever the case, you'll need to take measures to secure your home or office if someone breaks in. You can call a nearby locksmith to inspect your locks to determine if they've been picked.
Lock Doesn’t Function Properly
If there aren’t visible scratches around the keyhole, you may notice that your lock isn’t functioning properly. The key may fail to turn the way it normally does. There could be other reasons why your lock may not function properly, but if there are accompanying signs, you can be sure that your lock has been picked.
Damaged Lock
Lock picking doesn't leave dents, bent deadbolts, or warped door frames because it doesn't involve brute. However, the tools used to pick locks can cause damage to a lock's operation.
Shiny Metal Around the Keyhole
If you notice any of these signs, contact a locksmith as soon as possible. At Fast Austin Locksmith, we are always on standby to respond to all of your locksmith needs when you call us. Our locksmiths have all the tools and equipment needed to repair your locks, install new locks, and upgrade your home’s security system.
Prevention Strategies
Now that you know how to tell if your lock has been picked, it’s important to take measures to protect your locks against lock picking. One of the most effective ways is to install fool-proof locks and lock guards. You should also install outdoor cameras in your property to deter thieves.
Contact Fast Austin Locksmith If Your Lock Has Been Picked
If you believe your lock has been picked or tampered with, it’s advisable to call a dependable locksmith to help you rekey your locks or change the locks entirely. You should never ignore signs of an attempted break-in. At Fast Austin Locksmith, we can rekey, repair and replace different types of lock brands, models, and types. Our knowledgeable and experienced locksmiths will come to your location and get the job done correctly.
