Amazon sells lock picks dubbed ‘a thief ’s dream’
...COMPLETE WITH FIVE-STAR REVIEW FROM A ‘BURGLAR’
THIEVES’ tools like lock picks and devices to help break into cars are being openly sold by internet giant Amazon for as little as £2.
While they are not technically illegal, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) last night described them as a ‘burglar’s dream’.
Police chiefs also expressed concern over the availability of the devices, some of which are disguised as pens to evade searches.
They criticised the retailer for selling equipment that might ‘encourage or facilitate crime’.
One delighted ‘customer’ reviewed a lock pick disguised as a pen by writing: ‘I mostly pick locks on small dwellings and this pick pen works fantastic. Police are non [sic] the wiser when I get stopped and searched. Would recommend.’
Last night the retailer refused to remove the devices from sale.
The Mail on Sunday bought a lock pick kit for £14 from Amazon made by a company called Lock Cowboy. It included a selection of lock picks and a transparent padlock to practise on.
Within minutes we were also emailed instruction manuals providing expert guidance – normally available only to locksmiths – as well as a ‘beginner’s quick-start guide to help you pop your first lock’.
Other tools available include specially made car keys which the seller claims can open the doors of vehicle brands including Ford, Renault, Mercedes and Porsche.
Steffan George, the MLA’s director of business development, said: ‘These tools are the same ones used by locksmiths and, when they go outside that community, they can do some real damage.
‘I have spoken to police officers about this issue who cannot understand how the kits can be on sale to members of the public. They are being sold very cheaply so there is no price barrier to would-be criminals and there is absolutely no checking on who is buying them.
‘The tools disguised to look like pens are particularly sinister and are clearly intended to be used by thieves. It’s a burglar’s dream.’
A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: ‘It’s a concern for police that these tools can be purchased online.
‘Intending to steal remains an offence which can lead to arrest or prosecution, whether with lock picks or less sophisticated tools.
‘People should report websites or other sources of tools or advice that encourage or facilitate crime to the police, so that we can bring the offenders to justice.’ A spokesman for Lock Cowboy said last night: ‘It’s perfectly legal to sell or own a lock pick set in the UK. ‘We always advise our customers to only pick locks that belong to them, or where they have explicit permission from the owner. ‘Lock picking for us is the ultimate jump from jigsaw puzzles and crosswords and it is also a great way of building up dexterity and sensitivity in your hands.’ Amazon refused to comment on the items but a spokesman indicated they would remain on sale.