Pitfall 6: Lockpicking and silent entry

This is article 6 — the final article in our series on the 6 pitfalls with alarm systems in Spain. Where article 5 covered what insurers actually require, this article is about a threat that falls outside that discussion: silent access without traces. The answer is not a more expensive lock, but no more time at the cylinder. Earlier in the series: subscription (1), monitoring centre (2), new build (3), jamming (4), insurance (5).

1. “I have a multi-point lock — so I’m safe”

We hear that thought often. A multi-point lock is indeed harder to force — but lockpicking does not force anything. The intruder manipulates the cylinder, withdraws the bolts from inside and walks in. Extra bolts cost him seconds, not an alarm.

In Spain, vacancy increases the risk: on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida homes stand empty for weeks while you are in the Netherlands, Belgium or elsewhere. Shutters should make entry through windows harder, but in practice they are relatively easy to push up — often without much noise. The intruder can then still work at the door, undisturbed and out of sight of passers-by. Exactly what lockpicking requires: time and quiet at the cylinder.

2. How lockpicking works

With modern tools such as the Lishi pick — a 2-in-1 lockpick for certain cylinder brands — many common locks can be opened relatively quickly. The tool reads pin positions and enables targeted opening, with limited skill and without special training.

The result is silent entry:

• No signs of forced entry — door and frame stay intact.
• No sound — neighbours hear nothing; an indoor siren only sounds once he is already inside.
• Extremely fast — for many cylinders, seconds to a minute are enough.
• Harder insurance evidence — without signs of forced entry, a claim is harder to support (article 5).

3. What helps — and what does not

4. What a lockpicker needs — and what outdoor detection takes away

Lockpicking is not brute force: the intruder must stand undisturbed at the cylinder, have two free hands and keep concentration. As soon as an outdoor siren sounds while he is still on the drive or terrace, that advantage disappears. In the vast majority of cases he flees before he puts his tool to the lock.

Outdoor detection is the only measure that solves the lockpicking-specific problem: no more undisturbed minutes at the cylinder. Which sensors we install is explained on our outdoor detection page.

5. See how quickly a “high-security” lock opens

In the video below, The LockPicking Lawyer opens a common front-door lock with a Lishi pick/decoder — the same type of tool as in the image above. No forced entry, no noise, no siren.

The opposite scenario — intruder on the property, siren sounding, fleeing before the door — is shown on our outdoor detection page (including a demonstration video).

Protect your property, not just your lock

A stronger lock brings peace of mind, but no guarantee. Lockpicking makes cylinders vulnerable as soon as someone can work undisturbed at your door — silent, fast and without traces. Outdoor detection takes away that time.

With this, article 6 closes the series. The common thread across all six articles: do not rely on standard packages or marketing promises, but on security tailored to your home — with outdoor detection where it makes the difference. On our how we work page you can read how we approach that. We are happy to visit you to see what works best for your specific home to prevent burglary.