House Burgled - Door Wasn't Locked

mjm3346

huckster wrote: »

Which is why I have asked for the lock details. Normally you have to turn the key to engage the lock.

Mine shuts and requires a key to open from the outside but I have to pull the handle up to engage the other locking bars in the frame

(I always do that as it keeps it completly draft free)

dunstonh

Did your insurance policy set a minimum standard of security that needs to be in place when the house is not occupied? This often happens in high risk areas or where you choose to reduce your premium by saying you use a certain lock/alarm (but can cause problems if you then dont go on to use them or dont have them)

huckster

kaya wrote: »

you dont need to damage a door to break into a property, the insurers know this, ill pm you two words to look up on youtube and tell the insurance company, i better not post them on here or the pc brigade will lynch me

It is not a question of site PC. The words are in the public domain. Some of the shopping channels sell a type of oil that apparently stops this from happening.

Does not appear relevant in the OP's case.

But the words are 'lock bumping' with a bump key, which is basically a method making the levers in the lock to bump up to an open position. The application of a special oil, apparently stops this from happening.

If this has happened, the OP would have noticed no damage to the door at all. In most cases where this method of entry was used, you would not be able to tell how entry was gained.

fleetingmind

huckster wrote: »

It is not a question of site PC. The words are in the public domain. Some of the shopping channels sell a type of oil that apparently stops this from happening.

Does not appear relevant in the OP's case.

But the words are 'lock bumping' with a bump key, which is basically a method making the levers in the lock to bump up to an open position. The application of a special oil, apparently stops this from happening.

If this has happened, the OP would have noticed no damage to the door at all. In most cases where this method of entry was used, you would not be able to tell how entry was gained.

So would this method even open a 5 lever door like mine? Very interesting.

I normally always do lock it properly and for this locksmith to tell m eit wasn't has surprise dme. Esp as it could mean my insurance company refuse my claim.

huckster

It depends on the type of lock.

It sounds like you have a UPVC door with a multi point locking system and if this is so you probably have a lock that can be subjected to the method described.

You probably have a Euro-Cylinder lock, similar to the one shown in the link from Screwfix. The one in the link from Screwfix actually prevents the lock being forced by bumping. If you check the locks on the Screwfix site, a standard Euro-Cylinder might cost less than £10, but the anti-bump lock is over £30.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/72833/Security/Euro-Cylinder-Locks/5-Pin-Euro-Cylinders/Cisa-Anti-Bump-Snap-45-55-Euro-Cylinder

fleetingmind

Just an update. Got a brand new door being fitted today. Top top marks to Sainsburys Insurance on the way they have handled my claim.

dacouch

That's taken about 6 weeks, you're easily pleased...

tamarto

fleetingmind wrote: »

Just an update. Got a brand new door being fitted today. Top top marks to Sainsburys Insurance on the way they have handled my claim.

Out of interest, what made them change their mind?