Carrying lock picking equipment, or other burglars tools in the street would indeed be "going equipped to steal" unless one had some VERY good reason.
To possess such equipment, safely stored away with other tools at home is most unlikely to attract any unwelcome attention.
Whilst times are normal I would never use lock picks (except for practice purposes on locks that I own). However I feel it prudent to be prepared for a possible TEOTWAWKI situation when circumstances would be very different. Under conditions of serious emergency actions that would otherwise be a serious crime might be justified.

Definatly not things to lend to neighbours though !