The Top 5 Break-In Methods Thieves Use — and How a Locksmith Can Stop Them

The Top 5 Break-In Methods Thieves Use — and How a Locksmith Can Stop Them

When people think about home or business security, they often imagine alarms, cameras, or maybe even guard dogs. While those tools help, the truth is most break-ins happen through simple, preventable weaknesses in locks and doors. At A Lenny Locksmith West Palm Beach, we see every type of burglary method and know exactly how to defend against them. Let’s look at the top five ways thieves gain entry — and how a professional locksmith can protect you.

1. Lock Bumping

Lock bumping is one of the most common and underestimated burglary methods. With a specially cut “bump key” and a quick tap, thieves can open standard pin-and-tumbler locks in seconds. Many homeowners never realize how vulnerable their locks are until it’s too late.
How A Lenny Locksmith Helps: We install bump-resistant locks and high-security cylinders that are virtually impossible to manipulate with bump keys. Upgrading your hardware is one of the fastest ways to reduce risk.

2. Picking Locks

Picking isn’t just a movie trick. Criminals carry inexpensive pick sets and can quietly open many entry doors. If your locks are older or builder-grade, the risk is even higher.
How We Protect You: Our team recommends and installs pick-resistant deadbolts, smart locks, and restricted key systems. These locks are specifically designed with security pins or electronic technology that makes traditional picking nearly impossible.

3. Forced Entry

Sometimes thieves don’t bother with finesse. They kick in doors, pry with crowbars, or use brute force against weak frames. Standard strike plates and short screws give way quickly under pressure.
How A Lenny Locksmith West Palm Beach Responds: We reinforce door frames, install heavy-duty deadbolts, and use 3-inch screws that bite deep into the wall stud. For sliding doors, we add anti-lift devices and security bars. Strengthening the physical structure of your entry points is a game-changer.

4. Breaking Glass and Reaching In

Glass doors, sidelights, and patio sliders create another weak spot. A quick smash allows thieves to reach inside and unlock the door manually.
Our Solution: We install double-cylinder deadbolts where legal, apply security film to glass, and fit interior locking devices that can’t be accessed by reaching through. This ensures that even if the glass breaks, the door remains secure.