How did a thief get into my locker

[japit1]

Hello, my name is japit1, and I am brand new. I came because I would like to find out what happened to me today. I went to the gym, and locked my locker with a immitation combination master lock. I don't know the name but it has a raised area on the top where you turn the numbers to. When I got back my locker was locked, and my wallet was gone. The lock shows no signs of damage or marks. 6 other people had the same thing happen to them. The thief had taken my wallet, the paper money from my front pocket, but left my change and my keys in the pocket, and then locked the locker back for me. I want to know how easy would it have been for him to pick my combination lock? Also I went out and bought a Brinks R70. Will this stop the thief?

Thank you

[Eyes_Only]

If it's a standard padlock that uses a spring actuated bolt, the lock can be bypassed with a tool called a padlock shim. It's a thin piece of metal that slips in between the shackle and the body that works like the old credit card method of opening doors. I assume this would be the way the thieves got access to the locker without damaging the lock. A very easy and fast method of opening most combination padlocks. Trying to open them through manipulation takes way too long and is too complicated for a thug to want to bother with.

[lockedin]

Sounds like whoever did it used a shims. The R70 should stop him if he's an inexperienced lock picker.

[Eyes_Only]

Make sure you get a lock that uses ball bearings instead of a spring bolt to secure the shackle, those can't be shimmed. I recommend this lock... http://www.mrlock.com/eshop/locks/mfg/a ... d=nqqx2TSA. There is no way to use a shim to bypass the lock and the cylinder uses security pins to frustrate most pickers. On top of that the keyway is positioned upside down which will add to even more aggravation.

[linty]

the most likely answer is that he knew your combination.
the second most likely answer is that he learned about shimming on youtube.

it's very unlikely that he picked the locks though.

[digital_blue]

It's a combination lock. If it's a single dial combination lock, he probably shimmed it. If it's a multiple wheel combination lock, he probably worked out the combo with the "feel" method.

As has been mentioned, get yourself a padlock that does not rely on a spring loaded locking dog. Also, make sure your next lock requires a key, not a combination. The likelihood of someone getting out pick tools and picking your lock in a gym change room is almost nil, but most combination locks can be defeated easily.

Or.... if you want a cheap lock, but a Dudley. At least they can't be shimmed.

Good luck!

db

[pickmonger]

Its been said before, locks only keep honest people out.

Any kid or adult can pretty well open a combination lock with a bit of
reading, a few easy to get or make tools, and some dedicated practise.

Anyone with a bit of search-fu can find out how to

1) Make padlock shims
2) Decode combinations through "working the lock", no tools needed. aka feel method
3) Knock the lock open by hitting it, leaving no signs of forced entry

Of course some locks are better protected than others.

There is a 100% foolproof method for many combination locks.

Special software.

I happen to do a lot of computer training and tech support. One of my computer phobic clients is a local locksmith.

In this context I have had the oportunity to test a number of software packages geared to the locksmith trade.

One title, that shall remain nameless, was free for the downloading in a demo version, it was very easy to up grade to fully working version.

Sadly, this software was a free, anyone could grab a copy of the demo and the upgrade files to have a fully working copy.

I learned about it on a "hacker" type site and arranged for the locksmith to buy a copy for his business. I was responsible for installing the software and demonstrating it to the locksmith and few of their friends.

This software enabled you to enter a padlocks serial number and insta-presto up popped the correct combination

Not the old generating a combination by converting the serial number into a working combo . This software is a database listing a huge number of combination lock serial numbers with the correct combinations.

Aparently more than one teenage thief has used this to do some serious stealing. They go into a locker room in a large apartment building, or maybe at a school, they call their "friend" with the software on their cellphones and read out serial numbers and get the working combinations.

Like shooting fish in a barrel.

As more and more information is posted on the internet it is getting easier and easier for the average joe to comprimise our locks.

Already Marc Tobias's software LSS+ has been hacked and posted all over the internet.

The other software with the combination padlocks and the correct combinations is also available to the dedicated lock hacker.

[pickmonger]

I have received several requests for the name of software I mentioned with the padlock combinations

As that would constitute advanced bypass that is information that I choose not to post.

Check with locksmith suppliers if you are really interested in knowing.

And no I am not giving out weblinks for either one of them.

The main point of mentioning them was so that anyone who owned locks would be aware of what was out there for the thieves to learn from.

[WOT]

Get a "BEST" brand padlock with a 7 pin core. While it can be picked, BEST is one of the most bump key resistant pin and tumbler out there.

While the BEST SFIC design have a very significant security flaw when used in a large installation, for single use, they're good.

There are two separate shearlines. One for core removal and the other for opening the lock and they're counteractive of each other's operation and when you bump a lock and there are two separate shear lines, some pins will get stuck in one position while some gets stuck in the other shear line preventing the lock from opening.

The covered shroud lock is quite destruction resistant but because of its use of standard M1 style key, I think it is quickly compromised by a bump key.

[lockedin]

The covered shroud lock is quite destruction resistant but because of its use of standard M1 style key, I think it is quickly compromised by a bump key.

You're confusing Brink's shrouded padlock with the R70, the R70 is a discus imitation, and it indeed uses the M1. The shrouded padlock uses the A4 keyway. The OP is asking about the R70. So your M1 bumping advice is accurate, just misguided.

[2octops]

Y'all are forgetting the easy way to open these cheap combo locks.

Bypass methods are not for public discussion,

[Raccoon]

Working link from above Eyes_Only post.

http://www.mrlock.com/eshop/locks/mfg/abus/diskus.html

Note: Don't just goto your local grocery or hardware store to buy any-old lock that looks like this. They are cheap immitations, and often cost more than what's quoted on that website. Make sure it's an Abus Diskus. Ask for it by name.

PS. pickmon, would you mind sharing with those of us in the adv?

[LockNewbie21]

Thrown on a s&g military special.

Cermamic inserts, 6 pin biaxle, ball bearing mechanism, a bit over the top but hey who's judging?

Or an abus granit there nifty buggers

[SmokieD]

No 177. Master lock combination, master lock shrouded iron padlock,

Master lock does have a few good quality locks. But the abus diskus locks provided in the link are a thing of beauty

[UWSDWF]

magic... plain and simple.... it'll keep harry f'n potter out

or boobytrap your locker... there's a neat trick with a circular saw blade, a winch and some springs i could tell you about but I think thats more for the "advanced section".....