kjgreen3 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Ok so I have a basic lock on my front door thumb screw euro style lock (the one that slides into the the door with a cam than moves the locking mechanism). My problem is that a few months ago I came home to my door being unlocked, checked around nothing moved and nothing missing. Assumed I may have forgotten to lock the door in the morning (no-one has another set of keys apart from my gf who wasn't in sheffield at the time). Then one night a month ago (I'm OCD about locking the door at night will check 2 or 3 times to make sure). My gf awoke to hearing a noise, she said someone is opening the front door. I fobbed it off as the neighbour coming in next door (Shared main door to my flat and my neighbours) but got up after she persisted. Turned out the front door was opening very slowly so I shouted "Oi motherF**ker what are you playing at?" to which a muffed "sorry wrong house". Would have given chase but I was starkers and by the time I got dressed and went out he was nowhere to be seen. Now I knew I locked my door that night and it got me thinking about the first time I came home to it being unlocked was it me was it picked like that time. Ok so today I come home and the door is unlocked my gf was the last to leave (she does have OCD btw) and she absolutely assures me it was locked when she left. So checking the flat nothing moved/stolen/misplaced I nipped to B&Q and purchased and installed a new lock plus put deadbolts in as well for extra security when I'm at home (Obviously no good when I'm out of the flat). So been reading about lock picking to access how easy it is to do to a reasonably secure 6 pin lock. Turns out its straightforward if you know about 'bumping' locks. (Google it or watch a demo on youtube) My question is has anyone experienced any unforced entry to their home or have encountered 'lock bumping' in any way, shape or form. Also can anyone recommend a decent lock that isn't too pricey. Current/Ex-policemen may be able to help here Sorry for the waffle but thought I had to let you people know the full story to this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 What about one of those keyless efforts with the numbered buttons? We have one at work, its not electronic or anything, you just press the right number in and twist the handle and it opens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Sorry. I'll stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Most likely a ghost IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Most likely a ghost IMHO Maybe it's David Icke! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Maybe it's David Icke! Maybe it's David Icke's future ghost !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Sorry. I'll stop. You too Martin? Mr Green, check your bedroom drawers for jobby's..... RedM and I were a bit disappointed that you only had "cheap" coffee in....... H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobD Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Sounds like you need a dog mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevins Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 What you need is a door mat out side your door. Of course this has 4" nails sticking through the bottom facing sky wards, you will soon catch the person doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 God how scary! Don't have any solutions for you, hope you get it sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Did you change the locks when you moved in, assuming you didn't buy or rent it from new? Old tenant? Landlord? I would have been tempted to put a door open alarm on the inside and wait to see who it was myself. You meet lots of interesting people like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 I have had experience of bumping, (victim not villan) EVA 3KS locks are bump proof, cuts not copyable, additional keys from manufacture only. Not cheap, but good security rarely is. Highly recommend them Any EURO lock fitted with a standard lock barrel, can be bumped. I would only uses a EURO lock with very high security barrel fitted, no forced entry, no crime, no insurance. These lock are used extensively in Europe. Lots of totally cleaned out houses, not a sign of forced entry so owners not insured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snake Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 fit an alarm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fizzle Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 i would want to catch them, just to find out who it was.. booby traps would be the first option and if i couldn't catch them in the act i would at least want to hurt them badly enough to be able to spot them in the street limping, blue faced, or similar booby trap related injury! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digsy Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 I have had experience of bumping, (victim not villan) EVA 3KS locks are bump proof, cuts not copyable, additional keys from manufacture only. Not cheap, but good security rarely is. Highly recommend them Any EURO lock fitted with a standard lock barrel, can be bumped. I would only uses a EURO lock with very high security barrel fitted, no forced entry, no crime, no insurance. These lock are used extensively in Europe. Lots of totally cleaned out houses, not a sign of forced entry so owners not insured. I believe EURO lock barrels can be changed out very easily provided you know the inside and outside lengths of the barrel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supra Gaz Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Bumping usually leaves a Mark around the lock, also look for any damage to the centre of the door around shoulder height as sometimes a good shove is needed to get things going. I would be concerned that this person has been a few times, they may be looking for something. Do you own the property or is it rented and how long have you lived there? You can do a few simple things to make your propert more secure, leave the key in the lock on the other side at night, this stops bumping, also fit a security light in your porch area. Lastly, fit a dead lock and chain, every little helps. I am concerned that nothing appears to be taken, check your paper work to make sure it is not disturbed, bank details etc, it is odd that they have come back a few times. I am a current serving met constable on a response team for reference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 That's not good at all. Set up some kind of switch that will take a (covert) picture of the intruder when the door is opened. Not sure if this is possible but it may help with the investigation. Maybe it's a tramp just wanting food/shelter so doesn't disturb anything. Whatever the answer, I hope you sort it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 You can do a few simple things to make your propert more secure, leave the key in the lock on the other side at night, this stops bumping Not a great idea if you've got glass in or around your door, or if you keep your front door key on the same keyring as your car keys though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevins Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Not a great idea if you've got glass in or around your door, or if you keep your front door key on the same keyring as your car keys though. And the fact that if you open up your letter box remove 4 phillips screws the front comes off leaving a hole big enough to get you arm to the key with out a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Not a great idea if you've got glass in or around your door, or if you keep your front door key on the same keyring as your car keys though. That's what spare keys are for... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purity14 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 And the fact that if you open up your letter box remove 4 phillips screws the front comes off leaving a hole big enough to get you arm to the key with out a problem. You have either very skinny arms, or a fat letterbox opening. You decide - be careful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazama76 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 id get aa BIG GERT dog like th eone i got. Keeps the local kids in line shouldnt think anyone would want to try come in if theres any kind of dog in there tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suprab1 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Do what kevin does in home alone, heat the door handle so hot you will hear who ever it is scream . In fairness though that is scary to think of someone just going in & out your house as they please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purity14 Posted August 11, 2010 Share Posted August 11, 2010 Do what kevin does in home alone, heat the door handle so hot you will hear who ever it is scream . In fairness though that is scary to think of someone just going in & out your house as they please. Voltage to door handle+locking barrel/doormat seems a good idea- they will only get the shock if they touch both! remember to destroy the evidence... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Just get a new bump-proof mortice lock from your local locksmith, new keys all round, job done. You can jam the door shut while you're in bed with a broom handle or door wedge. Fit a night vision CCTV if you want to try and identify the person responsible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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