Security Experts Warn Of New Break-In Technique

We lock our doors, mailboxes and offices, all in an effort to keep thieves out.

But if you think any ordinary lock will protect you, security experts have a warning.

There is a new break-in technique called lock bumping, and it only takes a matter of seconds to open you up to danger.

Lindsay Ornstein is always careful to keep her door locked, especially now.

"We're having a baby and we want to make sure that we keep our apartment safe," said Ornstein.

She even has two locks for extra protection. But how truly secure is her home?

Leading experts said the regular locks most of us have might actually offer a false sense of security.

Security expert Marc Tobias said, "What you think is keeping you safe is mostly vulnerable."

Tobias said he has popped open thousands of ordinary pin tumbler locks using a technique called lock bumping.

Bumping the lock is accomplished when a specially cut key is inserted into a lock and given a whack.

"It causes all the pin tumblers in the lock to split and the lock opens. And, it doesn't matter whether it's a deadbolt lock on a business or a lock on your house. Chances are it can be rapidly bumped open," added Tobias.

Locksmiths have been doing it for years to help homeowners, but the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths said the worry is now that the specially cut keys are being sold online with instructions on how to lock bump.

"Someone that's looking for jewels, looking for collections, looking for high-priced items would probably have the capability of doing it," said Donald Shiles of the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths.

Tobias showed just how easy lock bumping is by bumping a standard lock on an office building.

"It can be five seconds, it can be under a minute. But, at the end of the day, about 95 percent of them can be bumped open," said Tobias.

Tobias was even able to open a mailbox lock.

"It's pretty serious, especially when you consider that more than 5 million post office box locks can be bumped open in the same fashion, which is perfect for identity thieves,” said Tobias.

Tobias notified the U.S. Postal Service about the threat.

The postal service declined an on-camera interview but said it “identified a number of potential vulnerabilities that might allow a person to gain unauthorized access. A number of security measures have been taken and postal employees have been asked to remain alert.”

When it comes to your home, what can you do?

Shiles said, “I would probably go to a higher security lock."

There are several high security locks, including one from Medeco.

Clyde Roberson of Medeco said, "High security locks add extra locking features within the cylinder that make the bumping much more difficult."

But that extra security does come with a price. Each high security lock runs about $100.

Shiles said, "Is it worth the money to you? That's the decision an individual has to make."

Ornstein said it is something she is seriously considering now that her family is growing.

"I think it just gives added peace of mind," said Ornstein.

The International Association of Investigative Locksmiths said while high security locks might be more expensive than regular ones, you might be able to receive a discount on your homeowner’s insurance police if one is installed.