Understanding Locks and How Thieves Get Around Them
A cylinder door lock is a simple mechanism the foundation of which has been in use for centuries. The peaks and valleys in the key correspond to the length of different pins and springs inside the lock. The cylinder can’t turn with the wrong key because the pins are blocking it–the break in the shear-line doesn’t line up because the peaks and valleys are wrong. The pins glide into position when the right key is inserted, pushing them up until the shear-line and the edge of the cylinder align and the whole thing can turn to withdraw the deadbolt.
A common way to try to get into a lock without the key is called lock picking. The thief will start at the back of the lock and gently push up on the pin while a tension bar pulls the lock towards opening until that pin falls into place. Because there is tension trying to turn the lock, the moment that tumbler engages it turns ever so slightly and the turning motion holds that pin in place. Moving forward, the thief repeats the process with each pin until the lock opens. The average home lock takes less than a minute to open for someone with skill.
Not every thief bothers to learn a skill and “snapping” the lock–using a steel bar to break it and remove it from the door–is a common approach. No matter how sensitive a lock may be, if it’s no longer in the door it isn’t doing anyone any good. Not only does it take less skill, it takes less time. Unlike a broken window that might draw a neighbor’s attention, in seconds the thieves can enter and shut the door behind them–as long as you aren’t home to hear the initial crack no one would even know.
Homeowners can stay ahead of thieves with manufacture’s new and improved concepts. Locks that have more sensitive pin systems and resist picking are a good idea, particularly if they are also reinforced “anti-snap” locks that are practically unbreakable. Thieves aren’t interested in doing any more work than they have to and they come prepared with both the tools and the know-how, so if they see a lock they recognize as particularly difficult, they will move on.
Remember, the goal of any thief is the quick-and-easy score–making their life more difficult will usually be enough to keep you from being a victim. Since the brand name may very well be what turns a criminal away from their planned heist, starting at the top of the market is a great idea when looking for a quality lock. You can buy knock-off furniture and store-brand decor to save money, but don’t risk your family’s well being by buying a generic lock.
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