# Subtitle 11 – Criminal Tools

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 11-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-1 (2026)

(a) For the purpose of this subtitle, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivation shall have the meaning given herein.

(b) “Detached ignition device” means any ignition cylinder capable of completing the electrical circuit in the ignition system of an automobile.

(c) “Jumper wire device” means any electrical connecting device designed to complete the electrical circuit in the ignition of an automobile.

(d) “Key cutter” means key-making device capable of cutting or punching out keys.

(e) “Slidehammer”, “slaphammer”, or “dent-puller” means a device with a moveable weighted sleeve on a rod used to remove automobile locks.

(f) “Slim-jim” means a device for unlocking car doors.

*History: Ord. 74-769*

*History: Ord. 85-378*

*History: Ord. 22-125*

## § 11-2 Possession to commit crime prohibited.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-2 (2026)

No person shall knowingly possess or have under his control any device, instrument, or article listed herein, with purpose to do any unlawful act:

(1) detached ignition switch;

(2) jumper wire device;

(3) key cutter;

(4) slidehammer;

(5) slim-jim; or

(6) any other device, instrument, or article commonly used, designed, or specially adapted for criminal use.

*History: Ord. 74-769*

*History: Ord. 85-378*

## § 11-3 Sale, etc., to minors prohibited.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-3 (2026)

A person may not give, sell, rent, or offer for sale any of the following devices to any minor child who is known to be under the age of 18:

(1) detached ignition switch;

(2) jumper wire device;

(3) key cutter;

(4) slidehammer;

(5) slim-jim; or

(6) other device, instrument, or article commonly used, designed, or specially adapted for criminal use.

*History: Ord. 85-378*

## § 11-4 Record keeping.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-4 (2026)

(a) Every person who sells, rents, or lends the devices listed in this subtitle shall keep at his place of business a book in which shall be legibly written, in English, at the time of each transaction in the course of his business:

  (1) an accurate description of the device sold, rented, or lent; and

  (2) the name, residence, and description of the person buying, renting, or borrowing the device.

(b) The description of the person shall consist of the color, sex, approximate height, age, and any distinguishing feature of such person.

*History: Ord. 85-378*

## § 11-5 Recipient to give true information.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-5 (2026)

No person who purchases, receives, or accepts said regulated tools shall fail or refuse to give his true name, correct age, and correct address.

*History: Ord. 85-378*

## § 11-6 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 11-6 (2026)

Any person violating the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon the conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.

*History: Ord. 85-378*