Has anyone every heard of a bump key??? (Tampa, Orlando: crime, house)

[Kat_Woman36]

My place was burgularized recently in New Tampa, someone supposedly used this key to walk right into to my apt while i was at work and steal some of my valuables. I have never heard of this key and was just wondering if anyone has ever been a victim. I am terrified, please beware of this crime spree.

[compelled to reply]

A bump key is something that burglars, and (years ago) locksmiths use to enter a home. The bump key is usually manufactured to a standard of your particular brand of lock in which it unlocks all locks made by that brand.

And when an individual gets burglarized, they tend to think of a "crime spree", while another individual in a nice area like New Tampa say, a few blocks away, might think their neighborhood has "no crime". Fact of the matter, it happens. However, I am really, really sorry for your loss, , because a crime is still a crime.


My suggestion would be to get a Kwikset "Smart key" lock, which is harder to "bump", and maybe a burglar alarm. You will understand how this works after watching this video, and realize just how scary it is that somebody can learn how to commit burglary on youtube nowadays. I wish you a safe evening and hope this helps .

[crystalblue]

yep, i heard about that a yr or two ago. and now anyone can make one...

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by crystalblue

yep, i heard about that a yr or two ago. and now anyone can make one...

Fortunately, the lock companies are catching up with "Anti-Pick" locks such as this one, although the current form of technology is hopelessly outdated.

Kwikset.com - 980S Grade 1 Deadbolt

[Kat_Woman36]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

A bump key is something that burglars, and (years ago) locksmiths use to enter a home. The bump key is usually manufactured to a standard of your particular brand of lock in which it unlocks all locks made by that brand.

And when an individual gets burglarized, they tend to think of a "crime spree", while another individual in a nice area like New Tampa say, a few blocks away, might think their neighborhood has "no crime". Fact of the matter, it happens. However, I am really, really sorry for your loss, , because a crime is still a crime.

Bump Key HOWTO (moderators, I think this link should be deleted by tomorrow because I'm just using it to give info, and, well, look at the subject manner)

My suggestion would be to get a Kwikset "Smart key" lock, which is harder to "bump", and maybe a burglar alarm. You will understand how this works after watching this video, and realize just how scary it is that somebody can learn how to commit burglary on youtube nowadays. I wish you a safe evening and hope this helps .

Thanks for the info!! I described it as a "Crime spree" b/c many others have been victims and that's the way law enforcement describe it to me. Trust me I know no area is too good for crime.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by Kat_Woman36

Thanks for the info!! I described it as a "Crime spree" b/c many others have been victims and that's the way law enforcement describe it to me. Trust me I know no area is too good for crime.

In New Tampa? That's not good! Often times thats local youth looking for something to do with their time when something like this happens. I mean look,you could make one of these keys, because anyone can. I hope law enforcement catches the theives!

[gypsychic]

When I moved into my home here in Lakeland a few months ago, I had a locksmith install all new locks, with an expensive Schlage deadbolt set. He said this lock was the hardest to "pick" and that even locksmiths have trouble getting into this one.

Sorry for your loss.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I have heard them talking on the news here in the Orlando area about them. I hope they don't try to use a bump key at my house or I might have to use my own right back at them.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

When I moved into my home here in Lakeland a few months ago, I had a locksmith install all new locks, with an expensive Schlage deadbolt set. He said this lock was the hardest to "pick" and that even locksmiths have trouble getting into this one.

Sorry for your loss.

Sometimes expensive locks are actually easier to pick because of the precision and fluidity of the parts. A cheap lock tends to get jammed.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by compelled to reply

Sometimes expensive locks are actually easier to pick because of the precision and fluidity of the parts. A cheap lock tends to get jammed.

Well, my locksmith recommended this one - he says they can hardly get into it themselves. Anyway, I read an article about the so-called "bump" keys, and locksmiths say it really isn't all that easy to get in with one of those things, although obviously it does happen