Find out how a simple habit like locking your door can deter burglars and strengthen your home’s security. A professional shares a practical tip to help protect your home more effectively.

How a Straight Key Can Make Break-Ins Easier

Many people leave their key sitting straight in the lock, thinking it’s enough to deter intruders. However, this habit can actually make things easier for thieves.

Picture a burglar armed with a hook or a special tool. All they need to do is push the already inserted key to quickly and quietly unlock the door — no noise, no obvious signs of forced entry.

The Solution: Slightly Turn the Key

A locksmith expert known online as Brummie Lock Picker explains that a simple adjustment can make your door much more secure. In a viral video, he demonstrates how turning the key slightly after inserting it into the lock can make a big difference.

Why is this method effective?

When the key is turned even slightly, it blocks the lock mechanism and prevents external tools from easily manipulating it. This makes it significantly harder for burglars, who would first have to push the key outward before they can even attempt to pick the lock.

A Useful Trick — But Not Foolproof

While this small gesture can boost your door’s security, some people online have pointed out its limitations:

“What if the burglar just breaks a window to grab the key?” one user asks. While that’s possible, smashing a window makes noise — something most burglars want to avoid.

“Burglars hardly ever pick locks anyway,” others argue.
Indeed, many prefer quicker, more straightforward methods like forcing a poorly secured window or door. Still, this trick remains helpful in slowing down an intrusion and discouraging opportunistic thieves.

Keeping a Key in the Lock: An Advantage in Emergencies

Beyond protection from burglary, having a key in the lock can also save lives during emergencies.

In situations like a fire, gas leak, or explosion, every second counts. A witness to a gas explosion shared:

“Having the key already in the lock allowed me to escape in just a few seconds.”

Leaving the key in the lock can therefore be a smart safety move — as long as it’s positioned correctly to minimize the risk of break-ins.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Security

• Slightly turn the key after inserting it to block the lock mechanism.
• Reinforce your door with a multi-point locking system or a security bar.
• Avoid leaving keys visible from outside, especially near windows.
• Install an alarm system or a smart security camera to deter intruders.

By adopting these simple measures, you can significantly improve your home’s security. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!