Lock drilling

Lock drilling is a destructive method that drills through the cylinder or the lock to disable the locking mechanism and get it open. It is noisy and leaves clear traces: metal swarf and a hole in the face of the cylinder or in the escutcheon.

We locksmiths sometimes use it as a last resort, when there is no reasonable way of opening without breaking something, and we always replace the cylinder afterwards. In burglaries it turns up mostly where nobody can hear: business premises at night, storerooms, garages or empty houses out of season.

There are two defences that add up. An anti-drill cylinder, with hardened steel inserts that stop the bit, and a security escutcheon with an anti-drill plate that protects the cylinder from the outside.

If you see swarf or a hole in your lock, it is an attempted burglary: photos, a police report and a replacement. To prevent it, take a look at our security cylinders.