Some people have a feeling when they arrive outside their homes. Unfortunately, that feeling can lead to the homeowner finding a door open or broken locks, something to say that unwelcome visitors have been to visit. Could you tell if your lock has been tampered with?
Yes. This guide will inform you if someone has been tampering with your lock.
Step 1. Do Not Enter the Home
If you suspect you have been the victim of burglary, there is a temptation to go inside and see what has gone. However, it is advisable to avoid entering your home if there is any sign that someone else has gained access. You do not want to come face to face with a desperate criminal. Instead, call 911 first and alert them to the situation.
However, if you are unsure at this point if your home is a victim of tampering, continue on step 2.
Step 2. Examine your Locks.
There are four ways to tell if someone has tampered with your lock. First, it may be that someone has tried and failed to enter your home. It may be that they have picked your lock to gain access. Here is how to tell through a brief examination.
Warping
The most obvious sign of someone trying to access your home is the warping of the handle, lock, door, or frame. Warping suggests someone has been attempting to gain entry through drilling, kicking, and bashing in the door. It will present itself to you in the following ways:
- Deadbolts and latches that are bending or twisting in their position.
- Warped wood or pvc on the door or the surrounding frames.
- Paint circles near the locking fixture as someone moved it out of the way or loosened it to gain access to the inner workings.
Keyhole Scratches
If your door is not showing any signs of warping, take a closer look at your lock. You may see tiny scratchings on or around your keyhole. Minor, new, shiny little scratch marks signify that someone has been attempting to open your door through the traditional lock picking method.
These scratches are small and may be hard to spot. The first inclination that these scratches will be there is your key feeling stiff to turn in your lock. Every time you put your key in your lock, you risk scratching the metal surface around it; however, these scratches will be new and very fine. Check your door if you suspect lockpicking. If it opens without you unlocking it, back away and call the authorities.
Non-Functioning Locks
A Non-functioning lock will present itself to you in one of two ways.
- Your door opens, and the lock is not in working condition.
This is a sure sign that someone has been successful in gaining entry. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the authorities and wait for their expert assistance.
- Your key is simply not working in your lock.
This should be a red flag in any situation, but it doesn’t necessarily mean someone has been tampering with your lock. It could be that the lock has finally worn down and broken on the inside. Search for other signs of tampering before contacting the authorities.
If you are unsure of the cause of your lock refusing to work, contact your local locksmith, and they can assist you in regaining entry into your home; they will also examine your lock for signs of tampering with their expert eyes.
Shiny Keyhole Edge
While lock picking leaves its mark on the metal surface of your lock, lock bumping will leave the inner edge of your lock shiny. Sometimes you will see fresh nicks on the inner metal edge from lock bumping. However, a skilled professional will hardly leave a mark. Call your local locksmith if you are unsure.
Ask the Professionals
A good locksmith can help you discern if your locks have been a victim of tampering, but they can also assist you in replacing any locks that have taken damage. In Miami, The Security and Lock Corporation stands at the ready to help any home or commercial property maintain high-security standards.
If you think your locks may have been victim to tampering and need some expert assistance, call us at (305) 846-9360, and one of our friendly experts will assist you.
