Can a picked lock be re-locked? Non-professional needs help.

[pheasantgirl]

I'm trying to solve a theft problem in my organization. Items are disappearing from locked offices. Of course, it could be an inside job from somone who legitimately has or has stolen a key, but setting that aside for a minute, if the locks were picked, wouldn't the doors have been left unlocked? Is it possible to re-lock a picked lock?

The non-profit organization is in a neighborhood with a great many parolees, how likely is it that someone is good enough to accomplish this, or patient enough to have made their own key? The back-door lock is keyed the same as the inside offices so someone may have had plenty of time to work on it, and there have been a few false alarms on that door, making me wonder if the keymaker jiggled or tried the door. Since the premises are alarm monitored and there have been no unauthorized entries, the thefts would have had to have been committed when the building was already occupied.

Any input would be appreciated!

[Quin]

I would say someone either has the key or the locks are so bad in quality they can be picked within seconds.

Either way contact the Police about it because the chances are if it is being picked there will be evidence inside and maybe outside the lock.

[plot]

depends on the lock, 95% of the time if not more, i'm gonna say yes.

all you need to do is turn the cylinder back straight for the pins to pop back into place.

what type of locks are they, do you know by any chance? kwikset? shlage?

deadbolts? normal doorknob type of lock?

im going to guess that someone has made a copy of the key, which wouldn't be hard at all to do with a little sneakyness, social engineering, or if it was an inside job.

also, when was the last time the locks were replaced? sounds like it's been awhile, an ex-employee's might have a copy of the key.

in short: if it's an easy lock to pick then a lock picker could easily be the culprit. takes a few tools and a few minutes and one can probably get inside, few more minutes and they can get through a second or third lock no problem. i'd explore those other options first though.

[Chucklz]

First, and again, contact the police.

Secondly, a picked lock can be relocked with often no addiional effort. Frankly, picking a lock requires a good deal of skill, so it is not as likely as someone having a key, or jimmying open your doors.

Here are some questions for you

1.) Does your back door have a deadbolt, or a Jimmy proof lock?
2.) What brand of lock do you have?
3.) Can your keys be easily copied in a hardware store?
4.) Are there unaccounted for keys?
5.) Have you had to let someone go recently who had a key?

[pheasantgirl]

They are Ilco locks, though I don't know what type. The keys can be easily copied. The locks are separate from the door handles. It's convenient to have every lock keyed the same, but maybe not the greatest idea.

From your comments it sounds like what I thought, but didn't want to be true - that more than likely it's an inside job. There are a great many keys floating around, from the paid staff to the ex-addict who runs the needle-exchange program, the ex-addict who runs the NA group, low-paid social work interns, the cleaning lady, you get the idea. Sounds like it could be someone outside but not that likely.

This lock-picking thing actually sounds like an interesting hobby! I love puzzles, and this is a puzzle-solving skill that could come in handy.

ps. we did call the police, but they are not exactly fingerprinting and running DNA on this, so we're kind of on our own. I'll get the locks changed. Should we change brands when we can afford it?

[plot]

a key controled system would be best -- meaning, something high security like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, where only special dealers can make copies of the key with special cards that you have to supply. (comes with the lock). These locks have the added advantage that they are very difficult for most people to pick. However, with all this, comes alot of added expense...

I would simply call the locksmith and have him install what he deems pretty good security as far as picking goes.

To save on expense, only get the outside locks changed. Sure, you'll have an added key, and added little inconvenience, but it won't be so bad. And it'll be alot easier then changing all locks. Keep track of who has keys to the building, that way you'll have your suspects...

[Chucklz]

I would say to install a quality deadbolt on the outside door and tightly restrict the keys. Look for a Mul-T-lock or similar whose keys cannot be copied without great effort. Additionally, get your office locks rekeyed, or replaced. I wouldnt go so far as getting high security, as you are a NPO and probablky operate on a tenuous budget. Schlage Everest would proabbly be as far as I would go. Keys would be very very difficult to duplicate, and fairly hard to pick, except for the most knowledgeable of us. Keep extremely detailed records. Let no key be issued without knowing to whom it is going. The good thing about the Everest system, is that on "higher security" areas, the Primus system could be installed, and everything operated with the same Master key.

Sorry for the rambling, but its been a long day.

[plot]

would you happen to know what type of budget you'd be looking at for replacing the locks?

how many outside locks are there? how many office locks?

seeing as there are alot of locksmiths on this forum, they could probably really push you off in the right direction so you know exactly what you need if we had this added information.

[Varjeal]

As Chucklz and others have mentioned, you should look into at least a restricted key system, and enforce a strict key control program. You'll want to get a qualified local locksmith to come have a look at your locks, and give you recommendations.

You may need to upgrade the deadbolts on your various doors in order to accomodate this, but it is definitely doable. I would guess that it's a 98% probability that someone has simply borrowed and had a key copied without your knowing.

There are several brands of restricted key systems that are worthwhile, and Chucklz has mentioned one of the most cost effective.

I will tell you now that it isn't a cheap solution, and the locksmith when he/she sees the situation will probably recommend beefing up some of your doors, etc as well if they see security issues in that area. Make sure to get a couple of different quotes from different 'smiths, then make your judgement from there.

Also, as far as the alarm is concerned, you may want to consider splitting the staff into groups, and if each group is allowed to use the alarm system, give each group a different access code. The monitoring station can tell which code was used to disarm/arm the system, and will help you narrow down the potential culprit, (assuming it's an inside job). Also you may want to inform your staff of the changes taking place, and reassure them that it is for THEIR security that these changes are being made. Good luck. and keep us posted.

[Chucklz]

I had a thought last night, I would also say to contact your insurance company. You may be able to offset the cost of the upgrade with a lowered premium.

[jason]

In dear old blighty (UK) our insurance companies specify which locking systems to use (bless 'em) but they don't mention particular brands. Try contacting them, they may give you a list of recommendations which will reduce the premiums further (window locks, rack bolts etc).

Hope this helps

[Quin]

Another thing worth thinking about is a standard camerea or a motion activated hidden camera; Both are pretty cheap now and you'll know for certain what is happening and when.

[i_want_to_pick]

As for picking open then picking shut, wouldn't you just need to use a plug spinner to keep from having to re-pick the lock after opening it? Unlock then spin it to the relock side and lock it?? Well, just my 2 cents worth.
Matt