Lock Picks

Buceph

I've asked about the legality of these in the legal forum, but I'm not asking that here.

I know a few people online who do it as a hobby, practising on padlocks and doors in their house (they're in other countries.) And I was curious if any of you (customs or Gardai) encountered it in the course of your work. I'm sure you've met a crim with them, or a locksmith with them, or maybe know a colleague indulging in the dark arts out of curiousity, but how about a civilian who does it as a hobby? I figure it'll either be them showing off to their friends in public (not smart,) someone opening the door for a friend who locked themselves out, or maybe even someone coming down to the station to let you know they have them.

I readily accept that you're going to question anyone you see with them.

maglite

AFAIK they are the same as knifes, tools when used as such, illegal when there could be doubt as to the intent.

ie in my bag late a night while i'm drinking vs. in my tool box in a work van on a Monday afternoon.

The burden of proof would be yours, and might have to be demonstrated in court

Buceph

maglite wrote: »

AFAIK they are the same as knifes, tools when used as such, illegal when there could be doubt as to the intent.

ie in my bag late a night while i'm drinking vs. in my tool box in a work van on a Monday afternoon.

The burden of proof would be yours, and might have to be demonstrated in court

Yeah, I'm fairly sure of the legality of them now. Just wondering if anyone has encountered someone having them legally who isn't a locksmith or garda themselves, i.e. a hobbyist.

juice1304

I am a hobbyist and have been for some time, It is fine to have them once you can prove you are'nt going around robbing whatever. most criminals won't use lockpicks or even know you can get them. As it takes years of dedication to picking to just be able to walk up to any lock and have it open in a few seconds. it's much quicker to use a hammer, bolt-cutters, cylinder puller, dent puller even a bump key. what i'm saying is picking can take time and thats when they would be caught it's muck easier to brake locks rather than pick them.
i however can just walk up to any lock and have it open in a few seconds. lol:D:D:D

WilcoOut

how would one get into this amazingly skilled hobby!?

Shield

Buy a set of Southord lock picks and just get practising!

WilcoOut

anywhere do a good deal?

any set in particular?

i love solving a good puzzle!

Shield

What locks are you planning on picking? No use buying a mortice lock pick set if you want to pick tumbler locks!

WilcoOut

ya wha!?

eh, bike locks or something. theyre tumbler ones yeah? like a door lock too no?

Shield

The 17-piece set from here would be a good starter kit then. You could remove car clamp locks with just this kit alone as it's that good. :pac:

WilcoOut

top notch psni!!!

any literature on the subject?

Shield

Just books and stuff. Nothing I can share here unfortunately. Besides, it's the kind of thing you're better off just getting stuck into.

WilcoOut

psni wrote: »

Just books and stuff. Nothing I can share here unfortunately. Besides, it's the kind of thing you're better off just getting stuck into.

much appreciated psni!

Morag

Thttp://www.tog.ie/calendar/

parkingposts

lock picks are not illegal to have in ireland.

Korgman

If I buy some picks from amazon and get them delivered to my door , will there be any questions asked? By the way are slimline picks better or worse than normal ones

Shield

Korgman wrote: »

If I buy some picks from amazon and get them delivered to my door , will there be any questions asked?

Probably: "Nice morning, isn't it Sir?".

Korgman wrote: »

By the way are slimline picks better or worse than normal ones

My understanding is that the slimline ones would be carried and used by locksmiths who are used to opening 100 locks a day, whereas the standard ones would be for the novice or someone who doesn't work in the trade but who just has a general interest in the area. You would probably get a more accurate answer if you e-mailed them directly because there's every possibility I could be wrong.

Korgman

Amazing skill there juice1304
Just as a matter of interest. You happen to mention that picks are fine as long as you aren't going to use them them for robbery. Who did you have to prove this to?
Thanks.

bravestar

Korgman wrote: »

Amazing skill there juice1304
Just as a matter of interest. You happen to mention that picks are fine as long as you aren't going to use them them for robbery. Who did you have to prove this to?
Thanks.

I don't understand the confusion on this thread. Section 15 of the criminal justice theft and fraud offences act 2001 covers it.

In plain English, if your not at home, don't have them in your possession.

Locks picks are used for one thing. Opening locks you don't have the key to.

So unless your a locksmith, leave them at home. Simples!