If you haven't done so, why lock bumping means you should change your locks right now.
This is not one of my normal pieces. And I admit, it's taken me longer to do this than I expected to, but last year, I saw a video on Lock Bumping. It's a technique that uses a specially crafted key and something to hit it. Would-be burglars put the key into your lock, hit it with a hammer (or whatever), and turn the key -- which magically turns in the lock. They can then enter, just as if they had a key that fit the lock -- with no evidence that they ever entered the place!
This news report on YouTube shows the problem, although I disagree with the locksmith's remedy:
Most locks, except for a few expensive, high-security locks, are open to bumping. Despite what the locksmith on this video said at the time, even some of the more expensive ones, such as Medeco, are reportedly open to bumping -- and Medeco costs over $100 a lock, plus big bucks for each key that's made. Medeco is fixing their lock, and some others, such as Schlage's high-end lock seem to do all right. Locksmiths seem to like Medeco, because they install it, and only locksmiths can make the (somewhat expensive) keys that fit the lock.
For those of us with less money to burn, however, there is another alternative I've found, the Kwikset Smartkey lock. It uses a technology that is difficult to pick, and so far, it seems to be bumpproof. Better yet, the locks sell for $30-40, and you can rekey the lock within seconds -- just the thing when your child loses the key, or you give a key to someone who later turns against you. (Warning -- anyone with a key and the change tool can also change the lock, but that's always been possible, although not this convenient)..
I bought several of these locks, both deadbolt and lock-in-the-handle models. Kwikset also makes one that reads fingerprints, and another one that allows you to enter a code on a keypad -- I'm cheap, and I didn't buy any of those. They install within minutes, using just a screwdriver or two, and each took me less than 15 seconds to change the lock to match my current key. Almost anybody can install these locks in a few minutes.
Better yet, you can change the locks at will, so when you're leaving for vacation, you can (for example) rekey one lock to a different key, and give the different key to the neighbor or family member who is watching the house. When you get back in town, just set the lock back -- it doesn't matter how many duplicates they had made of the key -- it doesn't work any longer. In fact, Kwikset sells a packet (Kwikset 83262-001 SmartKey Re-keying Kit
You also don't need to spend time at the store matching up like keys -- just buy whichever Smartkey locks you want, and when install it, rekey it instantly to whatever key you wish.
As you can see, I'm quite bullish on these locks, and until somebody finds something better, or this lock is defeated somehow, I'll remain bullish. You can buy the locks at most Lowes and Home Depot stores I've found (you can check availability on their websites for your local store), or you can buy them from Amazon.com. Make sure it says "SmartKey" on the package -- ordinary Kwikset locks are open to bumping, just as are most Schlege, Best, Brinks, and others. I've included a little list of some of them at the upper right of this page, or follow this link: Kwikset 99850-058 Signatures 985 Grade 1 Security Double Cylinder SmartKey Deadbolt, Satin Nickel