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

(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.