Signs Of Tampering That Should Prompt You To Enlist Locksmith Services
Although most homeowners are acutely aware of the fact that their locks are their primary defence against intruders, not many know how to ensure that said locks are functioning correctly. In fact, the typical assumption that some people have regarding break-ins is badly damaged locks, complete disorganization of their belongings and missing items. In reality, career burglars will typically scope out the residence before they loot it. And to ensure thoroughness, they will likely access your premises when nobody is home so they know what they will steal.
With that in mind, you must be wary of any red flags that would be indicative of forced entry. This keenness can save you a considerable amount of money from loss of valuables, as you can hire a locksmith to rekey or replace the locks right away. Below are just two signs of tampering that should prompt you to enlist locksmith services.
Scrapes and scratches on the metal
Depending on the types of locks you have, burglars will utilise different tools and techniques to try to force their way into your home. For example, with lock picking, the intruders will use tools designed to catch the pins inside the lock and subsequently open the door. On the other hand, lock bumping involves the use of a sawed-off key to breach the lock.
Depending on how forceful the technique utilised is, the burglars could end up causing cosmetic damage to the locks. If you inspect your locks regularly, you will be able to catch these fresh scrapes and scratches on the metal. A locksmith can come and diagnose if the lock was indeed tampered with and replace it, preferably with a keyless lock, to deny access to the intruders and prevent this from happening again.
Diminished key operation
If your key has been working seamlessly for as long as you remember and you suddenly begin to experience trouble with operating the lock, you should be concerned about potential tampering. When the locks have been meddled with, the internal components either will acquire some degree of damage or will shift out of place. Any changes to these components will directly affect the functionality of the key, as it will no longer fit inside the lock as it is supposed to.
You may find yourself wiggling the key several times before it turns the lock, and over time, this increases the risk of a lockout. A locksmith can come in and perform the needed repairs to restore key functionality. However, if you want to maintain the security of your residence, you may want to deliberate on replacing the locks altogether.
If you notice any of these problems with your locks, contact a locksmith service, such as Armstrong Staysafe.