"Lock bumping" back to forefront

Oct 10, 2006 3:50 PM

Thieves are cashing in on a not-so-new break-in technique that can give them access to locked materials in seconds.
Criminals can pop open thousands of ordinary pin tumbler locks with a technique called bumping -- when a specially-cut key is inserted and knocked on, causing all the pin tumblers in the lock to split and the lock opens.
Locksmiths have been using the technique for years to help homeowners, but the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths has expressed worry because the specially-cut keys are being sold online with instructions on how to bump. They fear the keys could end up in the wrong hands.
"Someone that's looking for jewels, looking for collections, looking for high-priced items would probably have the capability of doing it," Donald Shiles of the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths tells CBS broadcasting.
To protect themselves, consumers and businesses should look for a high-security lock, the association says. High security locks add extra locking features within the cylinder that make bumping more difficult.

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