Protection and Detection

[jimmy33]

Hi,

I've recently heard about the fact that any lock seems to be pickable.
This has scared me a bit and I admit I might be a bit paranoid about it.
I just don't like the idea that someone could get into my flat without my knowing it.
So my question is if there's a way to at least detect that someone has opened my lock?
I have a Keso 2000 omega lock. Also how long would it take to open it?
I live in a house with many flats, so if it took some time there's the risk that someone might come by and see them manipulating the door. Or can it be done very fast and inconspicously?
And one last question: How easily can someone copy a key to my lock? Would they need to take the key with them or would it be enough to have a look, take a picture, etc?
Keso was recommended to me. Do you know of a safer lock?
TIA

[Sl0th]

So my question is if there's a way to at least detect that someone has opened my lock?

Picks that aren't very smooth can scratch pins. Seehttp://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=18455

I live in a house with many flats, so if it took some time there's the risk that someone might come by and see them manipulating the door. Or can it be done very fast and inconspicously?

Opening a lock can take as little as 5 seconds. Look up 'bumping' on this site and for videos on youtube.

And one last question: How easily can someone copy a key to my lock?

There is a technique called impressioning, which locksmiths can use to produce a working key for a lock without taking it apart. It takes a bit of time to do this though, depending on the skill i guess.

[NickBristol]

You've not filled in your profile with where you are, but wherever that happens to be - just call a decent, recommended local locksmith and ask them to address your concerns and upgrade you security, dependant upon your budget. There are plenty of approaches that a professional should be able to suggest.

The Keso 2000 Omega lock you have seems to be a decent lock with excellent protection against copying, tho I've yet to come across one myself in the UK - have you tried searching on here for info? Search button is in the top right of your screen!

All it's generally possible to pick the majority of locks, few (if any?) burglars use picking to gain entry to property. It is just too slow and too variable and too liable to be caught in the act. You are much more likely to come home and find a broken frame and big boot prints on your door...

[jimmy33]

Thank you already for your answer.
I live in Germany.
The Keso was recommended to me by a locksmith.
I don't necessarily try to prevent 100% someone from breaking into my flat.
But I would like to make sure that not one has been in there without my knowing it.
And this recent news on how easily locks can be picked got me scared, I have to say. So I'm trying to get some information on how easily it really can be done.

Do you know about these locks: EVVA MCS, Dual and 3KS?

[raimundo]

sloth mentions impressioning, and says that it takes a bit of time, which is true, but it could involve putting a key in the lock for a few seconds every day for a month while reading and filing the impression later at a remote location. Just saying this so you paranoids don't feel left out.

[NickBristol]

The easiest way to know that someone has been in your flat is to set up a CCTV system that is triggered by the door being opened. Having off-site recording will leave you a nice video of your flat being trashed but also of the person doing it that the Police should find useful.

There have been several stories of people using cheap webcams and free software that do exactly this and have seen the crim successfully caught as a result.

As far as I know, there isn't a way to pick an Evva MCS and they are protected from snapping too I think. Like I said earlier, picking isn't much of a problem anywhere in the world so I'd look more closely at the case your cylinder is housed in and check it cant easily be bypassed.

Fitting a Drumm Geminy cylinder shield could remove most of your worries about someone impressioning or picking your lock. More info HERE

[raimundo]

bristolnick shoulda told judelaw that, (Breakingnenteringmovie) he wouldn't a had to sit up nights until the bosnian ho stole his car

[mh]

And one last question: How easily can someone copy a key to my lock? Would they need to take the key with them or would it be enough to have a look, take a picture, etc?

On mechanically coded keys, usually a picture is sufficient - also on a KESO key.
With other keys like the Abloy Protec or DOM Diamant it's probably a little bit more difficult to get suitable pictures, but on a KESO a picture or a photocopy should be enough. For "having a look" only - you would need to have lots of experience, that would be something for "Wetten Dass", and I think it would be possible.

The Omega part (spring loaded pin) in the key makes it more difficult but not at all impossible.

Cheers,
mh

[sk337]

Another possibility is a professional alarm system. If you use it conscientiously, it should be armed whenever you're asleep or not home.

[TOWCH]

I guess a padlock is out of the question?

[jimmy33]

Thanks for your informative replies.
I'm about to buy a new lock now.
Abloy Protec and Evva MCS seem to be the best.
To protect the Abloy against impressioning the Drumm Gemini is needed it seems. For the Evva MCS this seems to be unnecessary because it works with magnets. Did I get this right?

[jimmy33]

And are both impossible to copy?

[mh]

And are both impossible to copy?

The EVVA MCS is more difficult to copy.

Both Protec & MCS are very good locks that not necessarily need a locked shield in front of them (although they do need a good escutcheon plate - Schutzbeschlag - around them)

Good luck finding Abloy locks in Germany, though.

Cheers,
mh

[nekret]

Is this your lock?
http://protectvol.online.fr/keso2000.html

If so I don't think you have to worry too much about impressioning as I don't really see a way moving parts in the key could be impressioned (or even for that matter copied by key casting.

A new lock is probably overkill but if you do replace it maybe you'd want to put the Keso up on eBay...

[mh]

Is this your lock?
http://protectvol.online.fr/keso2000.html

If so I don't think you have to worry too much about impressioning as I don't really see a way moving parts in the key could be impressioned (or even for that matter copied by key casting.

I agree that the KESO2000 Omega is a good lock.

However, moving parts that are always in the same location don't make impressioning or casting impossible - one would just need to use a proper blank, or insert a selfmade moving part into a cast key.

Cheers,
mh