Lock picks

Buceph

Is it legal to own lock picks as part of a hobby, so you have to be "going equipped" before they become illegal (or cause for arrest?) Obviously lock smiths are allowed have them, and there's no license needed for them (as far as I know.) I'm guessing it's the act of being a locksmith that provides the reason for having them, or evidence that you're not (by default) using them for breaking into houses illegally. Is using them for a hobby reason enough to have them? I know a few people online who enjoy picking locks in padlocks and things they buy.


Obviously if you are allowed have them you don't go flashing them in public and don't carry them around in your pocket when you're going for a walk. And if you're taking them anywhere, lock 'em in your boot and carry them straight into your destination. So treat them pretty much like a gun.

I'm just curious what the law is in Ireland.

Victor

I can't see the Garda seeing it as a legitimate hobby and it found, you will have a lot of questions to answer.

Buceph wrote: »

And if you're taking them anywhere, lock 'em in your boot and carry them straight into your destination.

How would you get them out of the boot? :pac:

07734

Funny, I was wondering exactly the same thing after seeing the video on the other thread here.....

It seems like a cool thing to learn, but not if it's illegal!! Anyone know for sure if it's allowed to own them?

briantwin

This reminds me of when metal detectors were made illegal. Well it wasn't illegal to own one, it was a case of proving you weren't looking for priceless articles of national heritage. Just like if you were caught with lock picking equipment?

i don't think they are illegal OP.
As much as owning a crowbar or a glass cutter is illegal.

I could be wrong. Has anyone every been prosecuted over merely possessing such an item?

Mr Jinx

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/sec0015.html#sec15

Could leave yourself open to this, of course its perfectly legal to have these items in your own house.

Buceph

Mr Jinx wrote: »

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/sec0015.html#sec15

Could leave yourself open to this, of course its perfectly legal to have these items in your own house.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, it's the act of "going equipped" as it's known that's illegal. And there's plenty of people who do it as a hobby, a niche hobby certainly, but not completely unheard of. I was just curious if there was anything that would make it illegal.