I remember never locking the doors, car or anything. Neighbors were friendly, quiet and there were casseroles, cheesecakes and pies exchanged. then we moved to larger city suburbs and I went on to live in mainly middle to large cities. There we locked our cars and front doors.
Everyone looked out for each other, except in NYC when I had to convince the deli to sell me salumi to use on yuppie pizza. I also had to get buffalo mozzarella, and had to answer a few questions on how I’d use it as well before they’d agree to sell it to me. Where I lived it was more looking after Nanny when the grandson had a mansion somewhere else. Nonna was well taken care of, so it was probably the safest place in town for me as a single gal.
At Jim’s family’s place, it’s got a feeling I love only partly for the land and views, but especially the people. Everyone who drives by waves and they’re not big on door locks but have a rifle at the ready for any intruder.
Wherever we’ve been it’s been more “cosmopolitan” yet less civil and less safe. We do lock our doors, home and car. We live in a wonderful community that is somewhat civil and quite safe. It is comforting to me, as I consider the future of humankind, to know that there are still individuals out there with a great deal of trust in what we’re capable of achieving and being. In the meantime I’ll still lock the car. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 
I say, when we have to start worrying about locking our home & car doors, it’s time to move farther out!
It doesn’t hurt having 4 big dogs in the yard either…
But yes, we are blessed w/good neighbors – typically keeping an eye on things.
Locks are only good for keeping out friends. Any thief can bust most any lock. An old saying. We haven’t tested the newest and best theft deterrents. When one has multi-pane windows in a wood door, why bother with deadbolts?