Locking your doors and turning out the lights before heading to bed might make it feel as though you've done your part to keep your family safe for yet another night. However, it's important you understand that unless you have bump proof locks, you are not really secure even if you've locked your doors. Anyone who knows their way around Google can pick your lock in under 60 seconds using a technique known as lock bumping.

While it may sound new to you, the act of lock bumping has been well-known among criminals for decades. A bump key is a key that's been cut so that when inserted in a pin tumbler lock and tapped in a certain way, the pins in the lock cylinder release and the door opens.

You can purchase a bump key online for a couple of dollars and thanks to the Internet it's simple to learn how to use one to gain entry into any home with a pin tumbler lock. It's terrifying to think that an intruder can open your door using a bump key in mere seconds.

Here are some ways to prevent your home from being entered by a criminal with a bump key:

Buy a bump proof lock. There are several manufacturers making bump proof locks. A bump proof lock system is more expensive than a regular lock, but it's an important investment in your home's safety.

Get your locks bump proofed. Your local locksmith will be able to turn your existing lock into a bump proof one for you.

Please don't assume your expensive door locks can't be bumped, because ironically, the more expensive locks are actually easier to bump. This is because they're more accurately machined and locks made of tougher steel are easier to open with a bump key because they'll hardly sustain any damage during the bumping process. A cheap lock likely won't be able to resist the strength of the knock it receives during a bump causing it not to turn as the intruder hopes it will.

Rex Key & Security is a locksmith near Oakland California that has been serving the security needs of communities in the East Bay Area for almost 100 years. Rex Key & Security can provide you with a bump proof lock or can convert your existing locks into bump proof ones.