Lock Bumping History & Pickbuster

Lockbumping is a method of entry using an adapted key that is placed in a cylinder lock pulled back 1 notch or click, Then struck firmly with a reasonably heavy object such as a small hammer or screw driver or even a purpose made hammer that can be purchased from many sites on the internet.

Unfortunately Bump keys; Hammers and even training aids are available for a very small outlay. Whilst doing a survey I discovered that throughout the World there were over 2,000000 sites at that time on lock bumping Im sure not all bad ? Lockbumping has been around for about 70 years but kept in the Locksmithing world but as good as the Internet is it also passes on information that is not so good and the wrong information in the wrong hands spells trouble.

It is possible to purchase bump keys from many sites as well as learning how to make the keys. Most countries have a pin tumbler lock of some shape and these are all bumpable. Garage locks. Bullet locks (shutters) Front doors Backdoors some Padlocks, Rim latches (Night latches). Conservatories even some sheds.

Lock Bumping first came over from the US and has spread into Europe and has been there for a number of years. There are some lock enthusiasts clubs were bumping is a sport and members spend there evenings timing each other at lock bumping, But that is not where it stops. If you go onto the Internet and put Lock bumping all information is available and the opportunist thief is fully equipped after a little training; at this time there are 1,340.000 sites 

It is very hard to determine if your house has been broken into via this method because of the lack of forensics IE no damage no prints and your goods are still gone, Then of course you get the problems with the insurance companies refusing to payout because there is no forensic evidence.

The Police Service have only recently been able to state that maybe the break-in could have been due to bumping and the door not left open, Again the forensics problem.

We know that the Police Services in the US Australia Canada & Europe acknowledge this method of entry and there have been a number of TV programmes making the public aware of this potential threat. However not in the UK.