Most attempts on a front door leave marks, even when they fail. Knowing what those marks look like helps you decide whether to worry, and what to do next.
Signs worth a second look
Fresh, bright scratches round the keyway. Every lock collects small scratches from keys over the years; those are dull and centred on the slot. New marks are shiny, may run in odd directions, and can extend onto the face of the cylinder or the plate.
A cylinder that sits proud or has moved. If the cylinder now sticks out further than it did, or turns slightly in the door, someone may have tried to grip and snap it.
Dents or tool marks at the edge of the door. Marks near the latch or the strike plate on the frame suggest someone tried to lever the door open.
A key that suddenly feels different. A cylinder that has been attacked may become rough or stiff overnight. Wear happens slowly; sudden change is the warning.
Damage to a padlock or hasp on a gate, a store or the outbuildings of a finca.
What to do the same day
- Do not clean or touch the marks. Photograph them close up and from a distance.
- Check the other ways in: back door, windows, balcony, garage.
- If you think someone got in, or the lock no longer works properly, report it to the police and keep the photos for your insurer.
- Have the lock looked at. A cylinder that has been attacked may still work today and fail tomorrow. An anti-snap cylinder and a guard plate are the usual next step.
When it is probably nothing
A single fine scratch on an old cylinder, with a key that works as it always has, is most likely just years of keys. If you are not sure, a photo sent on WhatsApp can settle it.
Planning to be away? The routine in locking up before the August fiestas works for any long absence. And if you decide to change the cylinder anyway, measure it first.