I am aware that trespassing is a crime and the sentencing along with it but I was wondering if picking a lock to enter say a tunnel was a higher level offense. Also, if it’s just plain dumb to enter a place with no unlocked access.

You're right, lockpicking can bring a higher charge. Even possessing the tools can get you in more trouble if you end up getting searched.

I saw from the new people thread that you are in NorCal. California is no longer a prima facie state. That means that law enforcement must prove intent to arrest you for possession of lockpicks. That said however, if you are caught carrying and are trespassing they can (and will) assume intent. Which will add a charge of burglary tools to your offence and might bump the overall charge to a felony, depending on where you're trespassing (most trespassing being a misdemeanor).

In the US it definitely depends on which state, some are not as bad as others. For example in Nevada having lock picking tools is considered having burglary tools. Having them with you is not a crime in its self, but it automatically turns a trespassing charge into criminal trespass. It would also virtually eliminate the cops being willing to let you off with a warning, or remove your ability saying you just stumbled on the place or something

I know this was awhile ago and you probably already have your answer, but yes it is a higher level of crime, and just being in possession of the tools can bring your sentence up from trespassing to breaking and entering. Although I have done it before with no issues, it is definitely something to keep in mind when urebexing

I have been using lockpicks throughout the entirety of my urbex career, and never had a problem. Yes it will elevate your charges if caught with them, possibly even up to felony burglary depending on the state, however it's quite easy to ditch them in a pinch. I don't think i've ever been caught by absolute surprise. you're usually gonna hear someone coming or at least have some distance before they get to you that you can discreetly yeet them into a pile of trash or stash them.

better yet, pick the access, stash the picks outside the POE, and grab em on your way out.

Don't be stupid, use your judgement, and keep them either so hidden they will never find them (like inside a tripod leg wrapped in toilet paper) or in your immediate pocket so you can quickly ditch them if you are carrying it on your person.

I have been using lockpicks throughout the entirety of my urbex

Any tips? I’ve tried using a lock pick gun around the house and I can’t seem to ever pick a lock successfully.

Posted by BatsandMines drop the lockpick gun and get some real picks lol. buy a master lock padlock and watch some youtube videos. should have your first lock picked in half an hour. Any tips? I’ve tried using a lock pick gun around the house and I can’t seem to ever pick a lock successfully.

Look for the "Lock Picking Lawyer" on Tik Tok. He is probably on other platforms as well, I never looked. Folks send him more and more advanced locks as a challenge, nothing seems evening remotely challenging to him. It isn't necessarily instructional, but you can definitely learn for him none the less. A lot of the what/how has to do with being able to know what the locking mechanism is just by the lock brand/model...

Lock pick guns do work on a lot of stuff, but it is true if you practice with a basic set of picks you not only will be able to open a lock near as quick as a gun, but the range of locks you can open will be much broader.