Lock picking class listing irks residents

OAKLAND, Calif., March 6 (UPI) -- The mayor of a California city apologized for a lock picking class being mentioned in her most recent newsletter.

Residents of Oakland, which saw a 40 percent increase in burglaries last year, said they were outraged to see Mayor Jean Quan's newsletter promoted a lock picking class that said lock picking sets would be offered for sale at the end of the lesson, the Oakland Tribune reported Wednesday.

The class, offered through website workshopweekend.com, is aimed at helping people who lock themselves out of their home, but many residents said they were upset at how it could benefit burglars.

"Of all the incredibly unbelievable things I've witnessed in my life, this tops the list," resident Julie Mills said.

Quan apologized Wednesday to any residents upset by the listing.

"I've heard from people who are upset about the lock picking class item," the mayor said in a prepared statement. "I understand their reaction and I apologize."

Quan said the newsletter is more than 20 pages long and includes numerous listings.

"I am ultimately responsible for what goes out," the mayor wrote, "and I and our editor will do a better job reviewing these listings in the future before sending them."