When a Better Lock Would’ve Helped: Famous Prison Escapes Involving Lock Picking
In some of history’s most shocking escapes, the only tool needed was a small piece of metal—and some patience. Lock picking, though often overlooked, has played a key role in several prison escapes.
When most people imagine a prison break, they think of dramatic explosions, tunnel digging, or even helicopters. But in some of history’s most shocking escapes, the only tool needed was a small piece of metal—and some patience. Lock picking, though often overlooked, has played a key role in several prison escapes, proving that even the most secure-looking door can become a weak point without the right hardware.
1. The Libby Prison Escape (1864 – Richmond, VA)
During the Civil War, more than 100 Union soldiers broke free from the notorious Libby Prison. While much of the escape involved tunneling, the prisoners also had to bypass several locked doors inside the building. Some used basic tools and lock manipulation techniques to move through restricted areas, highlighting how interior security was just as critical as the perimeter.
2. Pascal Payet – The Professional Escapist (France, 2000s)
Pascal Payet is best known for escaping prison by helicopter—multiple times. But before the helicopters, he was already gaining a reputation for slipping through locked doors. Early reports noted his ability to study and exploit weaknesses in standard prison locks, including mechanical manipulation and timing guard routines.
3. Clinton Correctional Facility Escape (2015 – New York)
Richard Matt and David Sweat captivated the nation when they escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility. Though power tools helped them cut through walls, they also used smuggled tools to manipulate door locks within the facility, allowing them to stay hidden and mobile for days.
The Lesson?
These incidents show that lock integrity matters. Facilities relying on standard or aging locking systems are vulnerable—not just from the outside, but within. High-security, pick-resistant lock solutions—like ASSA—are essential for protecting correctional integrity.
Want to learn more about securing your facility with pick resistant, key control solutions? Contact the ASSA team today at 800.235.7482, customerservice.assa@assaabloy.com, or fill out the form below.