In this blog entry, the New Orleans lock repair and New Orleans residential security experts here at Liberty Locksmith New Orleans will detail the main signs of lock tampering.
Lock Snapping
Many locks, over time, show serious signs of degradation. Neglecting this very much impacts your home security. If your lock suddenly malfunctions, with your key suddenly not fitting, not going into the lock fully, having trouble coming out of the lock, or refusing to turn – or if your lock reuses to lock or unlock – or even makes strange sounds when doing so – this can be a sign of tampering by a criminal. Lock snapping is one possible tampering tactic. Lock snapping involves the use of a hammer and screwdriver to snap lock cylinders in two, making forcible entry much easier. This causes extreme damage to your lock cylinder, and causes great difficulty in operating it. When you notice the signs that cause cylinder damage, it indicates its time for prompt professional replacement with an anti-snap high security lock.
Force
Many burglars try to use brute force to get into properties. This can involve a range of techniques and tools like drills, crowbars, and hammers. The locks can be smashed with a hammer drilled through, or pried with a crowbar. This usually leaves clear signs of tampering – that while alarming, are thankfully easy to spot. One of the main signs of brute force lock attacks are warped door components. Brute force lock attacks bends deadbolts, latches, door frames, and both the interior and exterior of locks. If you notice any of these features are bent, dented, or dislocated, it’s likely a sign of forced lock tampering. Another sign is loose or stuck door frames.
Lock Picking
Lock picking is one of the most common criminal lock entry attempts. Professional locksmiths sometimes use this technique to help people regain access to locks that they got locked out of. It is one of the most popular break-in tactics used by burglars. Lock picking involves a range of small tools like flathead screwdrivers and picks which are inserted into the lock and carefully moved around to rake pin tumblers, ideally aligning them all to turn and unlock the lock. Signs of lock picking can be harder to see – but since it uses sharp tools, it can sometimes leave fine scratch marks on keyholes, so keep your eyes open for this, as they are finer scratches than can be caused by your key.