Lockpicking using Ultra-High Resolution Multi- Slice and Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

(1) Purpose: Combination locks are frequently being used to protect personal property. Since hitherto not described in the literature, we evaluated whether locks can be picked using computed tomography imaging. (2) Materials and methods: Three different combination locks (1296-42875 possible combinations) were scanned using an ultra-high resolution multi slice CT-Scanner (UHR-MSCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Image quality was rated by two radiologists using a 4-point Likert scale (1: Poor, 2: Moderate, 3: Good, 4: Very good) and both radiologists were asked to pick the lock using the acquired CT images. The time until picking each of the lock was measured. (3) Results: All three locks were successfully picked by both radiologists using the UHR-MSCT und CBCT images. Overall, the image quality of CBCT (median=3.5) was superior to MSCT (median=3). The interrater reliability showed a moderate agreement for image quality of CBCT (k=0.4) and MSCT (k=0.5) between both radiologists. The median overall time required by both radiologists for picking all locks was 10.5 minutes (Range: 6-16 minutes). The median lockpicking time required by radiologist 1 was 10 minutes (Range: 7-15 minutes), and by radiologist 2 was 11 minutes (Range: 6-16 minutes). (4) Conclusion: UHR-MSCT and CBCT can be successfully applied for picking different kinds of combination locks.