I would definitely try picking it first. If you want to brush up on your lock picking theory, Google turns up many "lock picking" documents. Basically all you need to get started is a small but strong piece of metal (sometimes I use a very small allen key), and a small flathead screwdriver to keep tension on the lock.
I find it is a very useful skill to have... it has gotten me out of several binds in the past, including being locked out of my car (picked the driver's side lock in about four minutes), and being locked out of my house (picked the garage door lock with a swiss army knife in about one minute, and once I had access to my tools it took me about eleven minutes to pick the door from the garage into the house).
It does shake your faith in locks, however.
