Got burgled

[licehunter2]

Hi there Varjeal,

In the case of this incident, I think your onto something in regards to the keys being duplicated, but that's neither here nor there.

Yes, as I mentioned, our suspiciouns strongly point to a duplicate having been made by or through the cleaners who had come a few days before the incident, and who had been handed a copy of the key. That is why I suggested a restricted key system, along with all-around better home security awareness.

the whole idea of having a restricted key system on your home's doors suddenly increases your awareness of keeping track of your keys and even looking at the other keys on the chain in a whole new light.

That is spot on, sir.

Thanks for your concise and valuable answer.

[Chucklz]

The interactive nature of many keys does have one or more moving parts as part of the key, or at least what I think of as interactive. This makes moulding a key rather difficult, as you would have to duplicate this feature... not impossible, but it probably is far too much work to attempt for a house burglary.

Now, slipping latches can be accomplished even when the door is "double offset" http://www.multipick-service.com/ has several such tools in the section for "closed but unlocked doors" But I doubt this is what occured. Considering your situation with giving a key out, I think that this is most likely explanation.

I would suggest you contact a local locksmith about how you should procede with adding additional locks, or other security measures. I suggest a local locksmith because he or she will be the best informed on what additional security you should have in your area, and how most burglaries are accomplished and how to best prevent them.

[n2oah]

The interactive nature of many keys does have one or more moving parts as part of the key, or at least what I think of as interactive. This makes moulding a key rather difficult, as you would have to duplicate this feature... not impossible, but it probably is far too much work to attempt for a house burglary.

Yes, usually an "interactive" key will have one or more moving parts (ie the floating ball Mul-t-lock and DOM use) Sadly, interactive locks can still be bumped.

[wtf|pickproof?]

Now, slipping latches can be accomplished even when the door is "double offset" http://www.multipick-service.com/ has several such tools in the section for "closed but unlocked doors" But I doubt this is what occured. Considering your situation with giving a key out, I think that this is most likely explanation.

On most doors tools are a waste of time, you can open them with your bare hands in less then 20 seconds. So there is no need for tools. I agree on the key beeing the most likely explanation thou.

[plot]

* How effective are restricted keys in stopping people from making unauthorised copies?

very effective. key moulding is a timeconsuming and difficult (at least, i find it to be) technique... unless it's a spy or something trying to gain access to your apartment, i wouldn't consider this a threat at all. since uncut restricted keys are hard to come by (thanks to the lock company having a patent on that particular key style), and exspecially have the right uncut key... this method is very effective.

* How much is home security improved by having restricted keys, assuming proper key control of existing copies and the authorisation code?

The area of security it improves is the fact that you know exactly who has a key to your residence/bussiness. You don't have to wonder about giving out a key to someone for a day or two becuase you know as long as you get it back, then there won't be any other copies of it floating around. The person is generally more aware of exactly where those keys are at all times too, as they don't wanna lose one or get locked out since they can be pretty expensive to duplicate.

This of course... isn't gonna protect against doors being left unlocked, windows being open, the back door or the side door with that crummy old lock nobody ever notices since you never go in that way, etc.

There's also alot of other security issues with homes that a professional locksmith will be able to point out if you have one come check out the place. The best example i can think of is all those people that have those nice little decorative windows that line there door frame... yea, break a tiny window and you can now reach in and unlock the door... what genious architect thought of that idea and made it such common practice

[n2oah]

key moulding is a timeconsuming and difficult

* Very easy use: small and handy, can be used anywhere easily and quickly (approx. 180 seconds per key impression)
* The created mold can be re-used various times
* The key impression is created in a cold chemical process
* Duplicates keys 3-dimensionally
* Specific casting alloy especially developed for us (melting point at approx 90°C)
* Key is produced in approx. 60 seconds
* Every duplicate is an exact copy and almost as stable/strong as the original

Read the first *.

[plot]

key moulding is a timeconsuming and difficult

* Very easy use: small and handy, can be used anywhere easily and quickly (approx. 180 seconds per key impression)
* The created mold can be re-used various times
* The key impression is created in a cold chemical process
* Duplicates keys 3-dimensionally
* Specific casting alloy especially developed for us (melting point at approx 90°C)
* Key is produced in approx. 60 seconds
* Every duplicate is an exact copy and almost as stable/strong as the original

Read the first *.

i've always had a tough time with any moulding

maybe i'll try it sometime though. really thoug, i dont think key moulding is a threat at all

[vector40]

n2oah, I'll shine your boots if you can point me at any credible report of an ordinary home or business being burglarized by way of a molded key.

[n2oah]

n2oah, I'll shine your boots if you can point me at any credible report of an ordinary home or business being burglarized by way of a molded key.

You don't want to leave a weak point anywhere in security. Even if you think, "Well, that won't happen to me", it may happen to you.
I'll do some google searching tonight, my boots really do need a shining

[vector40]

By that logic, we'd all be living in steel boxes. You don't need any higher security than is warranted by your risk level.

[n2oah]

I meant that to a reasonable level. I guess you could just take some C4 and blow through the whole house if you wanted to.

[vector40]

That is more or less how I would quantify key molding.

[n2oah]

That is more or less how I would quantify key molding.

Ah. Disreguard everything I said. I thought he was asking if a restricted keyblank increases security. It does, but at a minimal level.

[licehunter2]

Hi there, I am the OP and, knowing the local reality, I can't but agree with vector40's comment:

That is more or less how I would quantify key molding.

Incidentally, today I visited another home which has been the target of a burglary attempt. This one did not succeed either, as there were occupants inside at the time the attempt was made, who quickly locked the door from inside and ran upstairs, causing the would-be intruder to desist. They did break into someone else's home in that same building yesterday, though.

Anyway, both yesterday's consumated act and today's attempt (and unlike the incident I described on my first post) were done by carding. I took some piccies of what the marks of an actual criminal-style carding attempt look like, for the other non-lockies in the audience who may not be familiar with them. This also shows why you should not attempt it on your own door, if aesthetics are a concern for you.



That is what the marks on the doorframe look like. Also note how vulnerable this frame is to carding, with such a small (single) offset. What use is a steel-reinforced door on a frame like that?



Those two above show the damage on the door itself. Incidentally, they also show that the lock does not have an anti-thrust device which theoretically should prevent a carding attack from being successful. Question: How effective are anti-thrust bolts?. I assume they work by not allowing the latchbolt to retract (other than by using the handle/key) when the anti-thrust device is being depressed by the door frame. Is that correct?

So I guess what I'm going to recommend on this instance is a new lock with anti-thrust protection, or an ad-hoc solution if one cannot be found (read: unwind those screws a bit so they stick out a bit getting in the way). I am also suggesting video surveillance at the building entrances.

As a side note, some of you have suggested getting in touch with a locksmith to discuss possible security improvements. It is a very reasonable suggestion, in general terms. Unfortunately it doesn't really apply here as a) there are no locksmiths in my immediate area, this being only a small village, and b) you haven't seen what local locksmiths are like. Literally, their only tools are a drill (to "pick" the lock) and a screwdriver (to change the cylinder), and that's how they approach every job. Unfortunately, they would be the last people I would resort to for anything security-related. On the other hand, as I mentioned, an old friend of mine happens to be quite a capable police detective, so I regularly go to him for advice.

[yippeegollies]

Locks keep the honest people out. Get a pit bull...

Yip