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Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key. A bump key must correspond with the target lock in order to function correctly.
Lock bumping is a recent trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually having a key, so the technique can very quickly open about 90% of American household locks,[12] but it is preventable. However, it isn't reliable when stealth is required, due to its' noisiness.
The latter two sites also offer some items which claim to be countermeasures.
A scarey video regarding bump keys (see how easy and quick) and countermeasures:
I'm thinking that for times you're not home that an alarm system and/or a mean dog are some countermeasures I would consider (or maybe a punji pit?).
A punji pit/welcome mat
Just Kidding!!!!
Much better to go with the large dog, especially if it's one of those smart enough to get the joke in waiting quietly, and then turning on the charm after the intruder enters.
You know the story about the parrot and the burglar? Burglar was ransacking all kinds of stuff, but kept hearing the words "Jesus is watching you."
Curious, he glances into the den and sees a parrot on a stand, the parrot nibbles from his goodies bowl, and says again "Jesus is watching you." Thinking a talking bird might be fun, he asks "hey bird, what's your name?" The bird replies "Moses." "What kind of people name a parrot Moses?" The bird replies, "the same kind that name a rottweiler Jesus."