Suspicion Surrounds Safe Deposit Thefts

As a locksmith, I read with interest “Between a Box and a Hard Case” (Oct. 23), which deals with criminals targeting bank safe deposit boxes.

The Bank Security Report detailing the use of wax-impressioned “master keys” by burglars is absolutely absurd!

All safe deposit boxes have a bank “master key” lock and a “customer” lock--the master key only enables the customer key to open the door and, unless the thief has an impressioned customer key, there is no way that entry can be accomplished. (This is precisely why banks use locksmiths to drill out customer locks upon court order.)

I think these are clearly cases of “internal” theft, customer-perpetrated fraud or forgetfulness, or outside surreptitious availability to a customer access key.

ALAN P. LINSKY

Sherman Oaks