The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) says that consumers have been unduly alarmed by attention-seeking individuals who have used the media to create a panic over recent reports of the use of “Bump Keys” to commit burglaries.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) August 30, 2006 — The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) says that consumers have been unduly alarmed by attention-seeking individuals who have used the media to create a panic over recent reports of the use of “Bump Keys” to commit burglaries. However, because of the widespread distribution of this information through various media, it now has the potential to become a real security threat to consumers.

The technique of using “Bump Keys” is one of many methods used by locksmiths over the past 75 years to open locks for which there is either a cylinder malfunction or a lost key. There are, in fact, many ways to prevent this method of opening so it is not a first-line technique that is used by professional locksmiths.

Initially, the individuals who promoted this information to the press may have been making what ALOA perceives as a misguided attempt at “consumer awareness.” They gave the impression that opening locks by “Key Bumping” was a wide-spread problem. It certainly has not been a method used by most burglars for many reasons. However, now that this method of opening some locks has become a popular theme, the most probable effect will be to stimulate the interest of would-be burglars to attempt to “Bump Open” locks.

For consumers who are concerned whether their locks or premises are susceptible to this or any other form of burglary attack, ALOA recommends that they consult an ALOA Certified Locksmith and ask for recommendations for improving security. For information regarding the closest ALOA Certified Locksmith go to www.aloa.org or call ALOA at 800-532-2562.

The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) is the world’s largest organization for locksmiths and other physical security professionals. ALOA is dedicated to being the consumer’s first line of defense in physical security by increasing the effectiveness and productivity of locksmiths through educational programs and materials that address broad security interests. ALOA’s activities include the ALOA Continuing Education (ACE) program, the ALOA Annual Convention & Security Expo and the ALOA Training Center, which is based in Dallas, Texas. ALOA leads the way for advanced and improved security performance by providing members and the security community with access to a full range of educational programs and services.

Contact: David M. Lowell, CML, CMST
Phone#: 214/819-9733 x101


Press Release
Corporate Safe Specialists Posen, IL, August 20, 2007 - Corporate Safe Specialists (CSS) announces a fundraising effort in support of the Scholarship Fund of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) through the sale of a t-shirt that strongly urges safety while drilling (opening) safes. This design was distributed at the ALOA Convention and Security Expo in Charlotte in July 2007 and was in high demand among attendees. Corporate Safe Specialists and the ALOA Educational Foundation have teamed up to help raise money for the scholarship fund to help locksmiths with continuing professional education. The t-shirt will be sold on-line at www.corporatesafe.com/aloa for $15 and CSS will donate $10 of every t-shirt sale to the ALOA Scholarship Fund. CSS does not directly benefit from the sales of the apparel.

CSS relies on the Locksmith trade for installation, repair and removal of safes and safe locks from its customer locations. The safety of Locksmiths while in transit to and while at job sites is of paramount concern to CSS and the t-shirt slogan of “Don’t Drink and Drill” is an earnest safety reminder that drilling open safes is a dangerous task. The occupational risks encountered by Locksmiths on the job can be mitigated with professional training and education offered by associations such as ALOA.

About ALOA: The Associated Locksmiths of America Inc. (ALOA) is an international professional organization of highly qualified security professionals engaged in consulting, sales, installation and maintenance of locks, keys, safes, premises security, access controls, alarms, and other security related endeavors.

About CSS: Founded in 1988, CSS is an industry leader providing innovative security solutions to convenience stores, quick serve and fast casual restaurants, pharmacies and specialty retail stores globally. CSS safes, smart safes and kiosks feature electronic or biometric locks and can be configured to provide closed-loop cash management processes to minimize risk of armed robbery, burglary and theft. CSS is the only manufacturer of safes to offer 24/7 live technical support and has a U.S. service network that can provide on-site service within four hours.