We have noticed a significant increase in the amount of check cashing stores all over Central Florida. We are sure everyone else has them too. These stores have some interesting forcible entry and search issues associated with them. Check out the supplemental page for a full description and additional photos.
A special thanks goes to Battalion Chief Jeff Pindelski from Downers Grove (IL) Fire Department for his idea on the “Doggy Door†cut. Check it out. –Jimm-
A couple of things to key in on from the outside. #1 the type of occupancy (check cashing store). #2 The plate covering the old door knob hole tells you some type of hardware change has been made. Notice that there are no bolts in line with the old door hardware, the bolts would tell you that panic hardware had been installed, but those arent there. Theres are also no bolts up high on the door telling you there isnt a drop bar. Obviously the interior pics show the locking mech, but these other things could held to identify it from the outside too.
The Doggy Door cut looks like a good plan of attack on this door, but you may need to cut the lower hindge and pull the door from the top of the cut to defeat the pin going into the ground. Get the cut lip clear by pulling out and then up and out.
Im glad this was posted. We have had several of these check cashing stores pop up in our first and second due and I had never really given it a second thought. Keep up the awesome work everyone, and stay safe!
Very good lessons learned on this call. Whether it is a check cashing store or just a store in a not so nice neighborhood, it may have some sort of extra security on the door like this one. There is a shoe store in the same first due area that has a back door designed much in the same fashion. Top and side steel rods into the frame and a bar across the back. Not made to get in to. Another thing to keep in mind is while taking pictures of such things for training, let the owners know. I believe Jimm got a few looks from the management when he was snapping these photos.
Just a thought, maybe I missed something, but could you just cut a small whole in the right center of the door and reach in and push the lever down to gain entry?Seems like it might save some time. Any thoughts? I can’t stop learning news ideas on this site. Great work guys and girls.
52capt, that is an excellent question. Here are some of my thoughts: Cutting the small hole in the right center of the door is still a viable option, if you knew for sure this was the type of lock involved. The beauty of the doggy door is that it has a very good chance of defeating a majority of types of locking mechanism that may be encountered. We have noticed that a majority of the additional locking mechanisms out there have been located above the mid line of the door.
The other thought is about the saw technique: Best case scenario for a small hole would require a triangle opening consisting of 3 plunge cuts. When plunge cutting, the saw takes a little bit of time to actually work into the metal. The doggy door would only require one plunge followed by extending that one cut the full width of the door. What I’m trying to say is that the 3 plunge cuts would probably take longer than one continuous cut. Also cutting and moving the saw 3 times for the triangle cut requires that the saw blade (spinning at full speed) would be removed from the door 3 times versus only once with the doggy door. Probably not a big concern, but I’m just thinking pros and cons here. I have never personally tried the doggy door myself, I only learned of it a few days prior to putting it on the site. I guarantee that it will be executed at my earliest possible convenience. Somebody’s door is Winter Park is gonna get it! The saw is warmed up and ready to go.
The bottom line is: Do what you (and your crew) are comfortable with. Both options will get this door open. Next time you have the option to train on a door try both and see which one you prefer and are comfortable with.
Remember: You perform the way you train! –Jimm-
Thanks Jimm, sounds like the doggy door may be the way to go. Like you, I’ve not come across this type of locking mechanism. A plunge followed by a continuous cut would be faster then a triangle. Thanks for the input. Be Safe!