Do Criminals Actually Pick Locks?

The answer you get often depends on the person you are speaking with. For example, a local store owner that sells high-security locks may try to convince you that criminals pick locks in a bid to influence you to buy unpickable locks from him. However, the answer of a professional locksmith would be slightly different as he knows that a simple yes or no would not do justice to the question asked.

Lock Picking History

The concept of lock picking has been a safety concern between the late 1700s and early 1800s. In the book, "Locks and Safes; The construction of locks" by Alfred Charles Hobbs, the author stated that rogues or criminals don’t need the help of the locksmith community to learn how to pick locks. Hobbs further stated that one of the differences between criminals and locksmiths is that, unlike a criminal, a professional locksmith would not apply his knowledge about the vulnerabilities in security devices. Hobbs spent most of his life proving that all locks can be picked.

Other historical records also indicate that criminals have unique ways of learning about the weaknesses of security devices with or without the public availability of the information. Hence, the public availability of this information helps the masses learn about the risks and how to prevent lock picking. Thanks to the public availability of this knowledge, people know that the most secure way of protecting their properties and belongings is to contact a trusted locksmith company like Top Atlanta Locksmith, for security upgrade and maintenance services such as residential and commercial door lock replacement.

Recent Lock Picking Events

There are so many recent incidences that prove that criminals pick locks. There are tons of evidence and stories of criminals stealing professional locksmith tools from locksmith shops around the world. According to NBC reports, a criminal was caught outside of Taylor Swift’s home with rubber gloves and a set of lock picks. Another criminal in Oregon had a set of lock picks on him when he was caught and arrested.

While the defendant’s lawyer trying to prove the innocence of his client may say "you can’t call my client a criminal because you found lock picking tools on him", the judge or jury may disagree because the criminal was with lock picking tools at a lock picking crime scene.

Final Words

Several reports show criminals stealing professional locksmith tools from locksmiths and this can only mean that criminals do pick locks. However, upgrading your security with high-security locks makes lock picking extremely difficult for criminals. Hence, significantly reducing the chances of picking these kinds of locks. At Top Atlanta Locksmith, our team of experienced locksmiths is always available for your security upgrade needs including residential and commercial lock replacement.