Response to my last post

by **kkamann** » 12 Oct 2006 19:10

Well, I was able to get the lock off the old fashioned way, with a key. I called the utility company back, talked to a supervisor. I explained the situation, and asked if it was ok if I broke the lock off so we could keep warm tonight, since it was only a scheduling issue. He was much more sympathetic than the other gal, and told me that wouldn't be necessary. The guy was out there within a couple of hours. The house is a toasty 74 degrees right now.

I have never looked into this sub-culture of lock-picking until now. I was feeling a bit panicked by the whole situation. I have found it to be very interesting and informative. I have learned that picking locks on TV is much easier. Perhaps you all should go to Hollywood and learn how to pick locks more efficiently. Seriously, this group seems to be mostly well intentioned, and not a bunch of crooks. That is something I have learned from this experience. Due to my severe disablility in one of my hands, I don't think this is a hobby that I will pick up (pun intended). I doubt that I will buy/build any picks, or ever get a bump key. As Austin Powers would say "It's not my bag, baby."

Oh, BTW, for what it is worth, breaking the lock would not be a federal crime. Congress generally doesn't pass laws on these types of things. Vandalism, sure. State law. Unless the meter/lock was on Federal property or if you were a member of Al Qaida trying to blow up the neighborhood, the purview lies with the states. Or maybe if you were standing in one state while you whacked the lock that was across the state line. There might be an federal law that deals with crimes across state lines. Or if you took out Terri Shaivo's feeding tube (remember that mess?) while she sat on the meter and she fell off an her head cracked open the lock. The Shaivo thing was a federal law.

Anyways, I'm sure there are many more highly unlikely hypothetical situations where breaking the lock could possibly be a federal crime, like when you smashed the lock, a piece flew off and took the President's eye out or something. I'm sure people will come up with more examples. But it would be a state/local offense.

by **Shrub** » 12 Oct 2006 19:16

Im glad your sorted and everything is right and done in the right manner,

On the picking thing, there was a guy with one arm and another with no hand that pick locks so dont give up if it interests you,

by **Bud Wiser** » 12 Oct 2006 19:17

Hey I'm just glad you made out ok! Hope you still have the receipt for the bolt cutters

by **kkamann** » 12 Oct 2006 19:26

Yeah, I need to return the bolt cutters to the Federal Building where I stole them from. :lol:

Hey...another federal crime for breaking the lock. Using government property for a crime.

by **Bud Wiser** » 12 Oct 2006 19:29

It *might* be a federal crime if you did it on a federal holiday, like Columbus Day, Forth of July, President's Day, etc

by **Schuyler** » 12 Oct 2006 19:37

kkmann, Even if you don't pick up the picking, you're a funny guy, hope you poke your head around these forums from time to time anyhow, even if it's just to tell us we're all a bunch of law-abiding dorks

Also, you definately made the right call in climbing the phone tree at the gas company. Glad it got sorted.

by **Buggs41** » 12 Oct 2006 21:21

Bolt cutters?

There is a guy on this site that can pick a lock with a bananna. You don't need bolt cutters!

Response to my last post

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