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Back when I was a lock-smith, we would have a contest sometimes to see who could get into a house first (legally), the security system tech usually won, not the
by bcook 11y ago
Back when I was a lock-smith, we would have a contest sometimes to see who could get into a house first (legally), the security system tech usually won, not the very skilled lock-smith. There is always another way into the house, like exposed hinges, poorly constructed double-doors, unlocked windows, etc.
Locks only stop opportunists, or something like that.
- talmand 11y agoI admit it doesn't always apply, but my favorite line on this type of thing is "A door lock is only as strong as the glass window next to it."
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- merlincorey 11y agoLocks only stop honest people. Destructive entry is by far the most common with simple burglary and such - not lock picking. Oh you have a $200 high security lock? Too bad it's on a $20 plank that breaks very easily.
- Someone1234 11y agoThe BBC in the UK had a show about this. It was supposedly by an ex convicted burglar and he would break into people's homes to show them issues and how to protect themselves (reality TV style, but BBC so very subdued). The alarmist nature of the show not withstanding, it was very interesting to see him at work. Very rarely did he do anything technical, complex, or time consuming. MOST of his entries: Press the doorbell to make sure nobody was home. Walk around, hop the back garden fence. Walk up to a door, turn away from it, bend his foot back, and kick the bottom of the door with his foot until the frame gave in (1-2 minute entry). Rarely he'd break windows, screens, utilise a small crowbar, or utilise a ladder left laying down in people's back gardens to break into upper floors. The most complicated break-in I witnessed on the show was via a motorised garage (essentially just used a crowbar, and then leverage to force it up, then slide under). Never once did he use a lockpick, or do anything that a teenage couldn't have done. A screwdriver and or tiny crowbar are his only tools.
- samstave 11y agoYou might really find this AMA interesting: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/eewou/iama_retired_cat_burglar_ama/ https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/eewou/iama_retired_ca... He says the best thing is to laminate accessible windows such that they cant be shattered easily. (obviously laminating the inside of the window)
- Shoop 11y agoYou're correct, but lock picking is useful for criminals who are looking to break into a building without leaving a trace (for whatever nefarious purpose).
- RightWingRabble 11y agoDo you have a real life example of such a criminal, or is this just speculation?
- tashi 11y agoWatergate is the first example that popped into my head.
- TeMPOraL 11y agoI.e. the range from "very sophisticated criminals" to Mossad. An average person isn't even a potential target for this group. That said, locks serve a different purpose - they're to stop random people from just coming by, taking your stuff and leaving. The kind of people who are not 100% commited to burglary, so they won't be destroying your property in order to get in, but who'd nevertheless take your stuff if they found it unprotected. That, and also the important social signal: "strangers not welcome without announcing themselves and being allowed to enter".