Question - Manhole Keys

[ex0]

Something myself and Xan were pondering the other day as we were talking about our standard equip. Do manhole keys fall into the same category of equipment as a crowbar does? Are they tools?

ie if I've got one with my kit and I'm stopped and searched will I get pulled for going equipped? Tried googling the question and got nothing, there doesn't appear to be anything about keys on 28dl either. Would appreciate any insight anyone might have

 

[Ojay]

If you get an awkward copper then they could try it on, the last time I got busted which wasn't drain related, I had slings, crabs, drain keys and all manner of crap in my bag, despite me been unlucky enough to be dealt with by a right difficult cunt not once did they ask any questions about afore mentioned items.

The security guard told them I was a terrorist, I can see why after being caught 2 levels down below a high profile building during the daytime

I guess it's the luck of the draw really

 

[Xan_Asmodi]

I was just thinking about this actually. Thanks for the response Ojay, does anyone else have contributions?

 

[Ojay]

I've been grilled over having just a sling once before, it was a long time ago now like, they asked why it was in my bag, can't even remember my response

EDIT: And once "what do you need a head torch for" Hmm, that would be because it's winter and dark then eh

 

[Incognito]

I don't think there is a set list of tools, its how the officer interprets it, there are obvious things they will class as going equipped though. Even having a lighter but no fags they could say you were going equipped to torch the place. lol

 

[Wevsky]

manhole keys i have do have on the t bar a almost chisel like edge so i guess they could say its a tool..but in general matey nah i wouldnt think its any cause for alarm

 

[Dempsey]

End of the day, it depends on the copper and the circumstances involved, although unrelitive to the circumstances of drain exploration, I've heard a story of a mate been pinned because he had a Swiss army knife on him!

Generally, Police are so baffled by the fact people actually want to go down drains, the charge of 'Going equipped' as far as I know has never come into it before.

 

[Speed]

Be interesting to see it go to court. On the one hand trespassing in drains isnt exactly a legitimate reason to have them but its not criminal either so would that count as a valid reason to have them and hence a valid defence?

lifting manholes isnt criminal damage and looking in drains isnt burglary

Been busted coming out of a cable tunnel with a set and walked away within 5 mins. Luck of the draw i guess.

 

[NickUk]

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine!

 

[Bunk3r]

Also going equipped is actually "going equipped to steal" so if your not planning on stealing thats fine (fine by me anyway). Problem is you have to convince them of that, yes to be charged they need to prove you had intent but they can still take you down the station for XX amount of hours before they release you without charge.

Convincing them your not stealing is harder nowadays as metal theft is so rife, there are manhole covers going missing all over, on my parents street pikeys lifted a manhole took the lid off the junction box below (to weigh in) put the manhole back, no one was any wiser until months later after heavy rain is shorted out tripping the electrics for the area.

So basically this

End of the day, it depends on the copper and the circumstances involved,

and this:

Generally, Police are so baffled by the fact people actually want to go down drains,

Best not to carry them when not needed. getting busted can be anything to nothing, a lot of explaining, potentially a night in till they let you go. Same as general exploring really just increases the odds.

Have fun, stay safe

 

[Squirrell 911]

Meh, carry one of thse with you and the drain key issue will pale into insignificance http://www.glockworld.com/category/869-Glock_9mm.aspx

 

[Wevsky]

Meh, carry one of thse with you ant the drain key issue will pale into insignificance http://www.glockworld.com/category/869-Glock_9mm.aspx

i want glock..can i haz

 

[LittleMike]

If they are being dicks and want to take you down the station they will, whether due to being equipped, or a suspected terrorist. As for proving your innocent intentions, a bank of 800 photos of drains from around the world would probably suffice (for example).

 

[ex0]

Meh, carry one of thse with you and the drain key issue will pale into insignificance http://www.glockworld.com/category/869-Glock_9mm.aspx

Cheers Squirrell, I'll grab one of those and just shoot anyone that questions my authoritah

Thanks for the input all!

 

[SparkUK]

I usually have some in my car but tend to limit how much time I spend carrying them on my person. It's likely to be more aggro with little lasting effect.