• CAMDEN Council recklessly ignores and refuses to acknowledge the criminal use of fire key locks.

These kind of locks, identical across the borough, one kind fits all, releases the main front doors to blocks of flats. This is fine for a large custom-built block whereby the postman delivers letters to each individual flat within the block.

Unfortunately Camden fitted these kind of fire key locks to small street properties whereby the postman only delivers through the main street door into a communal hallway. Post gets stolen, and bank cards taken and fraudulently used.

Possibly these locks were once used only by firefighters, now they are ubiquitously used by workmen with no provable record of how many are returned after a job has been completed. Men delivering groceries now have them and, not at all surprising, the criminal fraternity also have them. They can be bought on eBay for under £4.

I have frequently questioned the rationale of this foolish and irresponsible fire key lock only to be asked: “What would happen if there were to be a fire?” Well, in case the council is devoid of common sense, let me help; you would break the front door down just as you do when a house is on fire.

As the criminal fraternity has long since realised the welcome use of these fire key locks, and the police are far too busy or understaffed to catch them, may I suggest that all those living in street properties check to see if they have a fire key lock. If they have one it is advisable to contact their ward councillors and demand that Camden dismantle the lock.

The council would also be responsible in such cases for invalidating insurance policies. No insurance company with knowledge of this absurdity would pay up. Take action to protect your safety and make sure you are not left vulnerable.

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