Despite all of our best efforts, there are still around 200,000 burglaries reported in the UK every single year. And there are even more burglaries that are attempted, but unsuccessful. If that happens, the burglar will usually leave some tell-tale signs behind. Some of these are so subtle that you wouldn’t even notice them unless you knew what you were looking for. So today, we’re going to tell you what to look for!
Lock Picking
If someone has tried to pick their way through your locks, they will have likely left tiny scratches on the keyhole. Since you will likely leave scratches of your own when you use your keys, you’re looking for new, fine scratches. The lines left by lock-picking tools will be a lot finer than those left by your keys, as the tiny tools need to be small enough to fit inside your locks and manipulate the mechanisms.
Lock Snapping
Some burglars won’t bother trying to pick your locks. Instead, they will try to snap or ‘bump’ the lock mechanism to gain access. This technique involves striking at the lock to release the tumblers, breaking it open. It’s most commonly done on uPVC doors, and the tell-tale sign is a lock that’s suddenly difficult to turn or even get a key into. If your locks had previously been running smoothly but are now stiff and difficult to turn, someone may have been tampering with them.
Damaged Door
This one is a little less subtle, but if there are obvious signs of damage to your door, door handle or lock, then it could be a sign that a burglar has tried to brute force their way into your home. Aside from splintered wood or chips, brute force attempts can also leave paint circles around the lock fixture from loosening and tightening the lock, along with bent latches and warping on your doorframe.
Can You Prevent Lock Tampering?
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to protect your locks and improve the security of your home. A few things you can try include:
Upgrade to anti-snap locks: Anti-snap locks are Specifically designed to resist attempts to snap or break the lock. They are simple to install and maintain, giving you an extra layer of security.
Smart Locks: Smart locks are a great alternative to traditional locks, and they are a lot harder to break through too! There’s a reason smart locks are becoming so popular in the domestic market.
Upgrade Your Security: Improving your general home security is a good way to deter burglars from even trying to break into your home, especially if you broadcast your security measures with things like security cameras.
At My Locks, we spend a lot of our time repairing or replacing broken locks, many of which have been broken by attempted burglaries. No matter what kind of door or lock you have, we can help replace it, and give you tips on how to keep you secure. If you’d like to find out more just get in touch with the team today.