The reason you turn that deadlock.

Having had the recent  misfortune of having a Sat Nav item stolen from my car, i was then more than fortunate to get a call from the local Metropolitan police. They had recovered it, almost instantaneously and it is now in my possession "safely" once more. 

It was a typical case of passenger side door on my car not being shut properly. This meant that the car i thought was locked, sat for 4 days, fully open to opportunists!

However, this time, it wasn't to be and the thin blue line held firm. I have nothing but praise for our police in London, each time i require their assistance or protection, they deliver the goods. 

A very friendly DC brought my property around to my house and we had a ten minute chat whilst i completed the statement form. 

The officer in question was immensely insightful, he reminded me that most crimes are committed by the same few individuals, which is comforting because it means that they are concentrating their resources on preventing those perpetrators from repeat offending. 

Most enlightening however was the little gems of information he passed on about burglary practice and the use of a deadlock. It just naturally came up in conversation whilst we chatted about crime in the area and his daily tribulations. 

Criminals can open doors with a piece of card!

Apparently, if you do not put your deadlock on, a relatively seasoned criminal is able to slip your Yale/Chubb lock with nothing more than a piece of broken plastic bottle or thick card! Swishing the lock open to enter and if it is the only line of defense, leaving your property exposed to theft. Alarming to say the least (he showed me the technique and it was ridiculously simple). 

He continued to tell me that criminals look for the simplest option, they wont waste time on a harder target, so if your deadlock is on, there is a strong chance that route of entry will never be employed. One less thing to worry about. 

Why is this relevant to you and your home insurance?

You may wonder why insurers often ask for assurances and warranties that you have more than one lock and that they are both used. This story explains the reason why. It isn't awkwardness, it is stark reality and expert knowledge. 

This knowledge should be passed on, its useful and it arms us against those that would seek to take our possessions. Except on this occasion it wasn't for the benefit of an insurance contract, this was advice, straight from the front line on the street. Practical, forthright and obviously correct. 

We all forget or have mishaps sometimes, but I will with 100% certainty put my deadlock on each time i leave my flat, because after all, it is for my benefit and its the clever option. 

Hope this helps a little and brings a little more positive vibes the way of the boys in blue, they really are doing a great job. 

James* 

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