Bump Keys Make Break-ins Easy

Sherman Oaks (myFOXla.com) - If you think your home is safe just because the doors are locked, think again. Burglars may be able to slip in with little effort by using a homemade 'bump key.'

Bump keys are essentially uniquely ground-down keys that, when positioned just right, can open just about any lock of a particular brand.

You can watch Carlos Amezcua's report in the video player.

There are videos and photos all over the web explaining how to make and use them.

Jack Flam, a professional locksmith and owner of Flams Lock & Key in Sherman Oaks, says the locksmithing community has know about bumping for years. He worries about how accessible it's become because of what's available on the web.

"They're showing you not only how to make a bump key, but they are selling the bump keys on the Internet," Flam tells us. "That's scary."

Bump My Lock , based in Texas, sells bump keys for just $15. Owner Clint Ditto says he screens his customers, though.

"We provide lock picks, bump keys, pretty much any entry tool to law enforcement, federal government, property management and such like that," Ditto says. "There is a percentage that actually slip out to the public, but it's kind of uncontrollable."

In Southern California, law enforcement tells us that there have been very few bump key break-ins so far.

"We advise our residents in LA County to use multiple layers of protection," says Deputy Rick Pedroza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department . "By that, I mean making sure they have home alarm systems... that they keep an eye on their neighbors' homes through neighborhood watch programs... that they secure their windows."

Flam says the best bump key defense is using high security locks. He says the Schlage Primus line is tough to bump or pick, but adds that he especially likes Medeco locks and keys.

Flam warns against "cheap solutions" like sprays that claim to be able to prevent lock bumping without having to buy new cylinders. He says all those are going to do is gum up the locks.

Something to keep in mind, though...

"As the old saying goes, a lock only keeps an honest man honest," according to Bump My Key's Ditto. "If somebody is going to get into a home or business, they are going to find a way."