How to Protect against a Bump Key
A bump key is a sort of skeleton key. A given key can work on pretty much any tumbler lock in which it can fit all the way inside. Use of a bump key is much faster than picking a lock, once the key is made. For a demonstration of how fast they work, see the demonstrations provided in the Resources.
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Instructions
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Use multiple locks of different makers. The more locks the burglar must penetrate, the more bump keys he must have prepared beforehand. An apartment building with all the same type of lock gives burglars too much temptation to create such a key.
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Use bump-proof locks. Such locks have special pins inside to prevent full alignment of all pins simultaneously when jarred by a bump key. Pick-proof locks are a subset of bump-proof locks.
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Use keyless locks, such as combination locks and keypad locks.
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Install a burglar alarm.
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Tips & Warnings
In general, it is wise to use a layered approach to security. The more layers of security that a thief has to get through, the more likely he is to be caught mid-crime or give up before trying.
A bumped lock does not damage the lock, and therefore leaves no sign of a forced entry. This may make proof of theft to the police or insurance company more difficult. This provides added incentive to prevent such a crime.
