Locking Doors. Or Not.

It has never occurred to me to leave the door unlocked when I’m home, or popping over to do laundry. It has never occurred to me to leave my door unlocked while taking out the garbage. I even locked the service door at home if the garage doors were open.

In my apartment in Chicago, back home with my folks: I always lock the door.

Here in Vancouver I do the same thing.

And apparently I am in the minority for doing so. Few others on my floor lock their doors unless they are going out for the day. There is one click, the door closing. No second click indicating the lock.

I find this rather curious. Why, exactly, do they not feel the need to lock their doors while home?

Ancedotal evidence indicates that, as long as the main entry to the building is secure, they feel no need to lock their doors too. Especially if you don’t live on the first floor.

Quite curious. Canadians seem very trusting of each other, and there is something to be said for that. Perhaps not locking your door when home is a sign of mutual trust.

Alas, old habits are hard to break. I do greet my fellow tenants when I see them. And probably none of them will come check my door, though they may knock first.

Vancouver is a rather safe city, too, compared to Chicago.

And a guy just stood up to let a young woman take his seat.

Trustworthy and polite. What’s not to like?