Lock Picking

Legislation relating to lock picking and other security bypassing techniques is growing. In recent years, many states and countries have taken steps to address the growing use of “lock picking” and similar activities with the intent of committing a crime. These laws criminalize the possession of key-picking tools and other security bypassing techniques or materials when they are possessed with the intent to commit a crime. Depending on the jurisdiction, such laws may carry a wide range of penalties, including civil and criminal penalties. In some areas, a charge of possessing a lock-picking tool may be considered a felony, resulting in years of incarceration or fines. Even lawful activities, such as hobby lock picking, may be subject to certain jurisdiction-specific regulations.