What type of lock is the most common type of picked lock today?

The cylinder lock is the most commonly picked type of lock due to its widespread use and relatively simple design. Cylinder locks are prevalent in residential and commercial properties, making them a familiar target for lock picking techniques. The mechanism of a cylinder lock involves a key that aligns pins of different lengths within the lock cylinder to allow for rotation and access. This mechanism can often be manipulated by tools designed for lock picking, such as picks and tension wrenches.

In contrast, deadbolt locks are typically more secure and have fewer vulnerabilities to picking since they require a key for both locking and unlocking, and many have complex mechanisms that make them harder to manipulate. Panic bar locks, often used for emergency exits, do not rely on intricate key mechanisms and are not usually subject to traditional picking methods. Mortise locks, while secure, are more complex and thus less commonly encountered than cylinder locks in everyday situations, which contributes to the latter's higher incidence of being picked. Overall, the combination of accessibility, simplicity, and frequency of use distinguishes cylinder locks as the most picked type today.