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What Is Bumping?

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What is bumping?

'Bumping' is a simple method of releasing a lock with minimal effort, using readily available tools and leaving no visible sign of attack.

Bumping has been known, understood and practised by skilled locksmiths for years. This has always been considered a skilled job and therefore not a real security concern. However, many videos have been presented on YouTube which have demonstrated that it can in fact be done by young children with little training.

One of the concerns for the general public is that bumping is virtually undetectable, in other words, there is no evidence that a cylinder has been bumped. Therefore, if a house is burgled using a bump key, there will be no sign of forced entry and insurance companies may refuse to honour genuine claims.

It is understood that the Home Office were made aware of this situation and as a result, BSI were asked to find a solution.

What is being done?

In order to protect the general public, the BSI have amended and upgraded security standards to include resistance to bumping under the classification of “General Vulnerability”. To communicate this status a Kitemark scheme has been developed. Products which meet the BSI’s standards are awarded with the Kitemark logo

Another security body within the industry, Secured by Design, have insisted that their licence holders will be required to demonstrate that they are using a Kitemark approved cylinder. This will help to protect customers ensuring that they are purchasing secure locks.

It must be recognised that by replacing a regular door cylinder with an anti-bump, Kitemark approved cylinder will increase your door security, but it will not ensure total door security. Further steps need to be taken to bring door security up to PAS24 standards (the established performance specification for doors). To ensure a door meets PAS24 standards the door needs to include other secure hardware, e.g. door lock, door hinge, door handle as well as the cylinder.

Changing a cylinder is simple and requires little expertise; please look to our easy to follow installation guides to assist you.

 

>> Go to Anti-Bump Cylinder

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