Which Lock?

[GWiens2001]

Your question is a good one, and harder to answer. Just about anything with a keyway is subject to the vandalism that you describe. If that is a real potential risk, then a lock shield may be what you are looking for.

One of the better anti-vandal 'gadgets' out there is the Drumm Geminy Shield. Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive.

It is a lock cylinder guard that takes a key to slide it down, so a criminal needs to get past it to even access your lock cylinder. It takes a different type of key - it pushes in inner and outer pins/rings on the surface of the lock, and is manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. It also comes with a Teflon lube that is used twice a year. If memory serves me right, it is guaranteed against superglue and such things if you use that lubricant.

Good luck,

Gordon

[Mano71]

Gordon, thank you very much for your quick answer!
I've just had a first glance at it. It's indeed expensive for what it is, but if it does solve the "equation" it's a good investment. I'll have deeper look at it now just to see it it's compatible with keys/locks other than Abloy.
I just happened to think...is there any liquid/spray/solution I'd apply to the lock/key hole in order not to let set any super-glue or such?

Thanks again

[HerrMannelig]

However I have a question which might be silly, but provided that I'm far from being an expert, I should need it to get answered:

What if the MCS or Diamant lock gets the burglar stopped from getting inside my home but then he gets pissed off and puts inside the lock some instant glue or thread locker or something similar in order to "punish" me in a way. Would I be able to get in? What should I do in such situation?. Would a professional be able to sort this out? (My wife would be inside but she could not possibly go to the door because she can't move from her bed without my help).

Burglars who do it for money (as opposed to emotional highs) would not commit vandalism. That would go against everything they are doing.

What you describe is a potential concern. Many criminals commit crime for emotional reasons, it is a game to them. They want, psychologically speaking, to be caught. Before considering this risk, you should consider the probability of it. Is such crime common where you live? Are these robberies actually robberies (robbery is theft with use of force or threat of force against a person, theft is taking things which belong to another, and burglary is breaking and entering into a place with the intent to commit a crime), or is it burglary and theft? Is there an economic motivation? Is it just amoral delinquents?

Is lock manipulation a factor in these crimes?

As for getting in, having multiple ways in (a vandal wouldn't probably go searching for a back door and vandalize that too), and a locksmith contact information on hand (in your phone, if you have one) would be a good start. Getting into a house is not a problem. If all else fails, there are many destructive methods which will surely be able to be used by a security professional. I do not think any residence is locked down enough to make it difficult to enter in an emergency.

[HerrMannelig]

A deterrent camera or security system would be a good thing to investigate.

[Mano71]

Thanks for your answers, guys.
I live in the centre of big Spanish city. We are 15 neighbours in a flat, mid-class, not wealthy. However, over the past 3 years and during the day (while we're away at work), 5 different neighbours have had their home "violated" by burglars who have forced the house main lock and committed the theft. 3 locks were opened with specific tools and the other 2 had the lock completely removed from the door. My neighbour next door would have been the 6th victim but the burglar was not able not make it, however, due to the frustration, he gently applied a big amount of super glue through the key hole (the locksmith changed the whole lock because of the glue but he mentioned that it had previously been forced).

The whole result of above, is what makes me think of all these possibilities:
I want to get protected against lock-picking, brute force and vandalism.

What worries me most is not the valuables I own (which are peanuts), what I'm so concerned about is my handicapped young wife.
Burglars in my country/city normally come from eastern European countries and they're extremely violent. They normally "work" during day-time while they expect no-one to be at home. Let's say they were observing me for a few days...what they would deduct is that I live alone and that I always leave home at the same time. If they break in into my house and unexpectedly meet my fragile wife in bed and in her room...seriously, I really don't know how they would react, or what they'd do, and that's what scares me the most.

Thanks again for all your help and ideas.

[HerrMannelig]

The whole result of above, is what makes me think of all these possibilities:
I want to get protected against lock-picking, brute force and vandalism.

What worries me most is not the valuables I own (which are peanuts), what I'm so concerned about is my handicapped young wife.
Burglars in my country/city normally come from eastern European countries and they're extremely violent. They normally "work" during day-time while they expect no-one to be at home. Let's say they were observing me for a few days...what they would deduct is that I live alone and that I always leave home at the same time. If they break in into my house and unexpectedly meet my fragile wife in bed and in her room...seriously, I really don't know how they would react, or what they'd do, and that's what scares me the most.

Thanks again for all your help and ideas.

That sounds quite serious.

For starters, I'd recommend reinforced doors and windows. I do not know how it is in Spain, but here, the weak areas are almost always the doors and windows. Reinforcing those should be a priority.

For the locks, having multiple locks would be a good idea. Getting the advice of a local expert on this matter would be ideal.

For the rest, I'd recommend a camera system and clearly visible security measures which would deter criminals during the day.

Day time is the best time to break into a house (for the reasons you gave), but, if they know they are being watched, it will be a very good deterrent. It will also aid in any investigations of attempts.

Security should have layers. The exterior of the house should only be one of the layers. Inside the house, cameras and alarm systems can be investigated. A way for your wife to activate an alarm or an automated system of some sort would be good.

And, if possible, a dog would be something worth considering.

All of these suggestions may not be practical, but they are ideas to investigate.

[fgarci03]

Pretty much everything has been said. I just want to add something.

I live in Portugal and the same criminals work here too. They avoid violence, but are able to do it in a pinch. As far as breaking in, they are trained to pick the most used locks, and know some destructive entry techniques (remove or break locks, etc).
They are also able to physically remove high security doors (I don't know the exact procedure, but most doors without top and bottom bolts may be vulnerable).

The locks they usually know how to pick are:
. Regular cheap pin tumblers
. Cheap Cross Locks. Here's a picture of a home made tool for them:


. Most used dimples (TESA, ISEO, Ezcurra, Cheap brands, etc). Unless really high sec, they will pick dimple locks open
. And more importantly, Lever Locks.

These guys can pick lever locks faster than my locksmith can use a Magic Key (a self impressioning key that opens the lock after wiggling it a bit inside). Doesn't matter if it's locked with 5 turns, THEY WILL OPEN IT.


I completely agree with Gordon. The Drumm Gemini shield locks absolutely fit for your needs.
Add that to a nice high security lock (don't even need to go to THE BEST one, just a good hi-sec lock is enough) and it will be easier to rob your neighbour than you.

I don't mean to be mean but... If your security is tighter than your neighbour's, they are the targets, not you!

[ARF-GEF]

Well it is quite hard to defend against glue in the lock. But I don't think a burglar would hassle with glue. That is usually more likely to be a a disgrunteld neighbour or children playing, it's very unprofessional from a burglar.

If you are especially threatened you might consider having a secondary lock as well. Again int1s important to have a good door or have the door reinforced since a weak door stay weak even with the best lock.
This is a common solution here and for the equivalent of 150-200€ you can get a very good one with a good lock in it.

This is an ugly one, the installing is also quite unprofessional, but it can be done very nicely. I choose the picture becasuse due to the not-matching colour you can see it very well and because due to the size you can observe the details.
Sry for the big pic see my reason above.

Maybe look around for eustechons with the drill resistant plate (aka shields) (the spinning little round thingy with a small slot at the keyhole) in them those are very very useful. One of the best in that category is the drumm geminy which offers great dril protection without the spinning bit. It is indeed suitable for locks other than Abloy, in fact it is suitable to any locks of the same format.

If you live in a big flat complex getting together with the other tenants and having CCTV system installed might be a very good idea indeed. I'm not an expert but lately I watched some footage from old traditional CCTV and they often are useless. Go for HD cameras, they are not much more expensive and a LOT more useful

FGarci is right there is no need to go to the absolute top with the lock, an EVVA 3ks or ICS would be just as good, and more than enough under a drumm geminy.

[Raymond]

You brought up a fact that is more important than all the rest. Your handicapped wife is most likely to be in the apartment during the day when the burglar is most likely to attempt the entry.

With this fact I believe your best approach would be to re-enforce the FRAME and door. That bar going across is actually good security even if it does not look wonderful. Your best approach would be to add the strongest inside security that she can apply for her own protection.

The last thing you would want would be for the bad guy to put super glue in such a strong lock that no one can get through it.

[Mano71]

Thank you very much for all your advice and ideas.

Some of you mention video surveillance. Regarding this, I've read a bit and the conclusion is that they're good depending on every circumstance. Dummy cameras are generally not a good idea for that they're quite easy to be spotted on. A real camera would be difficult to decide where I should place it, because the 1st time the burglar sees it, he may leave, but if he decides to come back later on, he may cover his face and/or sprays it. I think these cameras are a great thing if you can place them high enough not to be reached and easily vandalized.

For the locks, having multiple locks would be a good idea. Getting the advice of a local expert on this matter would be ideal.

Yeap, I was also considering 2 locks, just like my parents have at their place. Though both locks may be vulnerable, at least it doubles the time to break in.

A way for your wife to activate an alarm or an automated system of some sort would be good.

I like that, provided that she can't move from her bed.

And, if possible, a dog would be something worth considering.

Unfortunately we own 3 lazy cats...

I don't mean to be mean but... If your security is tighter than your neighbour's, they are the targets, not you!

Of course, I agree 100% even though yes, it might sound mean or selfish...but live is a jungle!

If you are especially threatened you might consider having a secondary lock as well. Again int1s important to have a good door or have the door reinforced since a weak door stay weak even with the best lock.

I must say, I really like this security bar. I'll have a deeper look at the thickness of my wall to check it does not become the weakest part of this particular security layer.
I understand I should need a lock shield for this one too.

FGarci is right there is no need to go to the absolute top with the lock, an EVVA 3ks or ICS would be just as good, and more than enough under a drumm geminy.

Here in Spain I can't buy an EVVA / DOM system. I had a look on eBay and there was indeed a lot of difference in price between an EVVA 3ks and a MCS, so you all are right, I can go for the 3ks and invest the price difference in a lock shield which will add another security layer.

...I believe your best approach would be to re-enforce the FRAME and door.

Yes, I do think my door is also weak. In fact I took some pics to show you what you think. It would be silly of me to reinforce the lock, add shields and a bar if the door itself is weak.

I contacted a good locksmith here in the city and -to my surprise- he only advised me to add a shield to my current lock. He may be a honest guy who did not wanted me to take my €€'s on futile extras but...I must say I was a bit disappointed because I actually see many security gaps in my front door.
He recommended me a magnetic shield called DISEC MG300 to be set over my current ARCU lock. I like this shield though. The magnetic combination key seems a good thing to avoid picking, vandal actions and brute force on the lock. When it's closed, there's no access to the lock. So this magnetic shield may be on pair with the Gemini shield, although the Gemini is made of 64 Rockwell SS, and when opened, the cylinder is exposed only halfway. It also looks way nicer for a similar price ~180€.
This is the Disec MG300:




My lock is an old ARCU lock which was set back in 1985.
It looks like this:



And this is my door (thickness of 50mm) which I consider not to be strong enough against brute force. 3 tiny bars slide when I lock the door. No reinforcement up/down.


What do you think of it? Is it as weak as I see it?

Ok, so after reading all your advice, I think I'll go for this:
- EVVA 3ks Lock
- Gemini Drumm or Disec MG300 (just in case the locksmith had no idea on how to implement the Gemini, I must ask him first).
- A security bar (as shown by ARF-GEF) + lock shield.
- Anything else? (Door, frames...)


Other thoughts: Now, my final concern (and it may sound stupid) is: Would the "look" of my new fortress be prone now to become a personal challenge for burglars? Or, having all that security on sight, would it make them believe there are a lot of valuable stuff inside? Sometimes, it plays on my mind that if I haven't ever been robbed is because of the lousy look of my front door... Who knows, though.
Anyway, it's a much better option to be ready and protected despite showing your cards to the burglar (and that he sees he can't possibly win the game in a reasonable time).

Again, thank you very much for all your advice and explanations, they're all very valuable to me.