Virginia hoyy picking

[Finxx]

I want to buy a lockpick set. I have been using a bobby pin and a pen clip for a tension wrench and now I can pick through masterlocks with ease. I have a bunch of locks in the "picked" pile. Its actually a fun hobby. A puzze game really.

I want a proferssional set that I would never take out of my home. Is it legal in virginia?

Here is the statute:

VA - Virginia Code of Virginia - Section 18.2-94 - Possession of burglarious tools, etc.If any person have in his possession any tools, implements or outfit, with intent to commit burglary, robbery or larceny, upon conviction thereof he shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. The possession of such burglarious tools, implements or outfit by any person other than a licensed dealer, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to commit burglary, robbery or larceny.

It sounds llike ownership of the picks is a felony but I just called the virignia state police and they said it was legal as long as I didnt try to commit a crime with them or have them on my walking around. I should have recorded the call for my protection. I'm sure they did.
So I'm a bit torn on if they can be owned because police dont know what they're talkinga bout sometimes. I'm not a criminal and catching a felony because of a hobby might ruin my week.

Based off what you see and heard, is a pick set legal for me to own or no?

[Squelchtone]

As long as you're not walking around with them or getting caught for other crimes which lead to the discovery of picks on your person. If they're on your coffee table or work bench at home thats ok. Very illegal in DC, so as long as you're state of Virginia and not DC, you should be fine.

I will say that your state is stricter than most, specifically due to the "prima facie evidence" clause.

pick for fun at home, dont show off to friends and neighbors, dont bring them to work to show off, or the mall, dont keep them in the car, and all will be well.

Squelchtone

ps. what doe "hoyy" mean in your subject line? type-o ?