720 ILCS 5/19-2.5 – Unlawful Sale of Burglary Tools
This law makes it illegal to sell or give away burglary tools used for breaking into things.
This Illinois law says that selling or giving someone tools made for breaking into vehicles or buildings is a crime, unless the buyer is a police officer, locksmith, tow operator, or licensed repo agent. Breaking this law is a serious offense called a Class 4 felony.
(a) This part explains what certain words mean:
- “Lock bumping” means opening a lock by using a special bump key that can unlock pin tumbler locks.
- “Motor vehicle” means the same thing as it does in the Illinois Vehicle Code – basically, cars, trucks, and other vehicles that people drive.
(b) A person breaks this law if they knowingly sell or give away any key (including ones made for lock bumping) or lock-picking tool designed or changed for breaking into a building, trailer, boat, plane, car, train car, or any safe place made to protect property.
(c) This rule does not apply when these tools are sold or given to:
- Police officers or other law enforcement workers.
- Licensed locksmiths.
- People or businesses that tow vehicles.
- People or businesses that legally repossess property and have a valid repossession card.
(d) Sentence: If someone is found guilty of selling burglary tools, it is punished as a Class 4 felony.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Southern Illinois criminal defense lawyer.
