S189

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari which would create penalties for using a “bump key” – a manufactured or modified key used to pick cylinder locks – to commit a burglary was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

“Because ‘bump keys’ can open up just about any lock, it makes sense to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Senator Scutari, D-Linden. “Licensed locksmiths, for example, have a legitimate need for tools like this to come to the aid of homeowners who have forgotten or misplaced a house key; thieves do not. This bill would ban the use of these keys for illegal purposes, and send a message to would-be thieves that using them illegally will not be tolerated.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari which would create penalties for using a “bump key” – a manufactured or modified key used to pick cylinder locks – to commit a burglary was unanimously approved today by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

“By and large, ‘bump keys’ are used by locksmiths to open broken doors and to aid homeowners who have simply forgotten or misplaced a house key,” said Senator Scutari, D-Linden. “Unfortunately, because these keys can open just about any lock, when put into the wrong hands, they can spell disaster for the security of homeowners and their possessions. This bill sends a clear message to would-be thieves that the use of these tools for unlawful purposes will not be tolerated.”