Editing Lock picking (section)

=== United Kingdom ===
In [[England and Wales]], a person who, not within their abode, has any article to be used in the course of or in connection with any burglary or theft can potentially be prosecuted.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/section/25|title=Legislation index|website=Legislation.gov.uk|access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> A successful prosecution would need to prove intention to use the tools for that purpose at the time of possession.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crown Prosecution Guidance |url=https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/theft-act-offences |website=cps.gov.uk |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> As an [[Hybrid offence|either way offence]], the maximum penalty for this is 3 years imprisonment if tried in the [[Crown Court]], and 12 months if tried in the [[Magistrates' court (England and Wales)|Magistrates' Court]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sentencing Council Guidelines |url=https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/going-equipped-for-theft-or-burglary/ |website=sentencingcouncil.org.uk |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>