Why People Don’t Care About Their Security

There has been an interesting trend in the security industry. It’s become so easy to access the information needed to pick a lock, break into a car, etc. Really, criminals can just forgo the lock and break through the window. Despite all of these innovations in lock technology, our security is in a constant state of fragility. What’s reinforced in one area does not stop a criminal from taking advantage of another. Despite this, people seem as nonchalant as ever about personal security; leaving personal belongings out in the open and disregarding the locks on their windows. Even those who possess many locks on the same door latch only one. Why is this?

It seems that people don’t really believe how simple it would be for a criminal to pick their lock. Many just don’t understand how the process works at all. Many people have no idea how the inner workings of a lock function. The complexities of lock picking are still a mystery to many people – is this good or bad?

Some people understand just enough about locks and security to make themselves feel better. As long as they know that they have a Schlage with a deadbolt installed they feel fine – giving no further regard to additional security or whether or not their security choices are effective at all. Many people don’t even want to think about the articles online that outline how easy it is to pick residential locks.

Despite how easy it is to wedge a car door open, the public just doesn’t seem to think that anyone would actually do so – and that’s far from the truth! Bump keys are very easily bought and even easier to operate. Car door wedges are just as simple to procure.

There is a math behind key codes that make it possible for people to create their own bump keys. These numbers also show how many unique combinations your lock can support. For example, Schlage locks have 9 depths and five key grooves, 9x9x9x9x9 = 59,049

Then there is the math behind key codes. Anyone can find the depth charts for the different lock companies (that makes it possible for anyone with a file and a ruler, to make a bump key). You can also get a key gauge to decode the more common key types. Based on that information you can see the amount of possible unique key combinations for your lock. Schlage has 9 depths, and an average of 5 grooves on the key. 9x9x9x9x9= 59,049. In comparison, the standard Master Lock has 8 depths and 4 grooves. 8x8x8x8 = 4,096.

The info means that one out of every 59,049 with your lock has the key to your it. One in 4,096 can open your Master Lock. It can be really alarming how similar the locks in your neighborhood are. If all of the homes in your neighborhood were built near the same time, there are likely some repeating key codes, as they were probably bought from the same place.

Car locks can be examined in the same way. Many older cars can be picked easily due to their limited number of unique key codes. There are often special tools available for easily breaking into locks made in the 1990s. Motorcycles can be compromised like this as well.

Newer cars are very hard to steal with the invention of transponder chips, key fobs and the like. Still someone can still have access to the contents of your car. Criminals sometimes take strange things, but it’s always better to have your belongings not stolen.

Security is very important to a person’s health. Being sure of one’s safety brings a comfort that allows them to go on with their day undeterred. However, when something has caused our security to be compromised, it can have a very physical effect on our well-being. Our health is in direct correlation with our security. Being vulnerable to external harm is a danger to ourselves. Security is one of a human beings most basic needs, along with food, shelter, sleep, companionship and the like.

But how much does security matter at the end of the day? Very much. It also depends on one’s perception of security. Some people don’t see security as aided by locks and other fancy mechanisms. However, others strictly define security by the amount of bolts hey have on their door. Still, being secure is a basic human need that shouldn’t be overlooked. The need for security often goes beyond us and to our loved ones and possessions. At a core level, we don’t want these things taken away from us. A bolt, a latch and many other things can prevent this from happening.

Crime is decreasing overall, based on the figures. But many times facts and figures really can’t help an individual assess their current situation. Even if you live in the safest of neighborhoods, using that as an excuse to slack off on security concerns is not a smart idea. Thousands of unexpected crimes occur every day that have nothing to do with what is commonly documented – they just get swept up in the average figures. Don’t let this kind of oversight happen to you. Keep tabs on what you’re doing to protect yourself and your belongings.

When it comes down to it, unfortunate things happen to people from all walks of life. There’s no way to determine just how and when your home could be targeted by a robber. It could happen – it could never happen, not one day in your life. Still, prevention is the best protection. Regardless of what the media or statistics say, take your security into your own hands. Figure out for yourself what you and your loved ones require in order to feel safe in your daily lives. One thing is certain; the wide range of the security industry has something to fit your needs. Stay safe out there!