Key Lock

What information does a locksmith need in order to key a lock?

I am having difficulty preventing people from entering my apartment. I have purchased pickproof locks, but they still get in. I can only conclude that a locksmith is involved and is cutting a key for my locks. Do they have to know the brand of lock in order to cut a key? I had a open house today, but was not invited, if you catch my drift.

A locksmith generally has to have the lock cylinder in his possession to make a key for entry door locks. The "pickproof" brands such as Medico, Kaba, Multi-lock, etc. are even tougher and often involve proprietary key blanks that only the original seller can access. Certainly, no legitimate locksmith is going to make keys for a dwelling without seeing the customer's proof of ownership.

You didn't say anything was stolen. Have you called the police? Have your burglars stolen anything? Or are they doing senseless things like drinking your beverages, eating things in your refrigerator, or re-arranging the towels in your linen closet?

I don't mean to be insulting, but locksmiths often get calls that sound a lot like your post. Some people convince themselves that someone is getting in, no matter how good the locks are, or how frequently they are changed. On checking it out, I have been told all the silly stories I mentioned above, plus others, but booze, food and towels are the most common. One woman I know of called the cops because she thought a local locksmith had made keys to her home to steal one AA battery.

Calls involving break-ins with no damage and nothing of value taken are usually caused by failure to take medication. Ask any cop.