9 'Bump Key' Burglaries Reported in New Tampa

 

Tampa Police are alerting neighborhood watch leaders to a disturbing burglary trend in New Tampa.

Eight separate apartments — located within three different complexes — and one house were burglarized using a “bump key" during the month of April, according to a District Two crime analysis report emailed by police. Of the reported crimes, seven of the cases occurred Wednesday or Thursday.

Key bumping is a technique where thieves use a specially made key that can be slid into a lock, then tapped or bumped to release the inside pins and gain access to the home.

"This is a burglary trend that re-emerges from time to time," the police email reads.

Bump keys can be easily obtained and often leave little or no evidence after picking a lock. Further disturbing is that the Internet contains a wealth of sources that show viewers how to bump a lock.

Luckily, manufacturers do make locks that cannot be bumped, though it can be expensive, according to police. 

Advice from Tampa Police

The bottom line our agency would recommend is this:

• If you hear repeated tapping/banging noises look outside to see what is happening. If a person appears to be knocking on the door knob with an object, get a good description of the person and call 9-1-1. Let the police check them out; do not get involved.
• Consult with a locksmith. The correction could be expensive. However, the piece of mind you acquire from having a safer lock on your door(s) may be well worth the price.
• Go on the Internet and educate yourself on how this crime is committed, and how it can be defeated.