Home Security of apartment 5A

[Robittybob1]

I have just noticed a major error that has not been discussed while I've been here.
Gerald McCann 10 May 2007 http://www.mccannpjfiles.co.uk/PJ/GERRY-MCCANN-10MAY.htm

----- He is certain that, before leaving home the children's bedroom was totally dark, with the window closed, but he does not know it was locked, the external blinds closed but with some slats open, and the curtains also drawn closed. Asked, he relates that during the night the artificial light coming in from the outside is very weak, because, without a light being on in the lounge or the kitchen, the visibility inside the bedroom is much reduced. Despite what he said in his previous statements, he states now and with certainty, that he left with KATE by the rear door which he consequently closed but did not lock given that that is only possible from the inside. Referring to the front door, while he is certain that it was closed it is unlikely that it was locked as [because] they had left by the rear door.

So neither the front door nor the back door nor the window were confirmed to being locked!  Is that right?

[sadie]

I have just noticed a major error that has not been discussed while I've been here.
Gerald McCann 10 May 2007 http://www.mccannpjfiles.co.uk/PJ/GERRY-MCCANN-10MAY.htm
So neither the front door nor the back door nor the window were confirmed to being locked!  Is that right?

The front door was effectively locked, because it required a key to get in, but it wasn't double locked.

The back door was not locked because it was not possible to do that from the outside.  It was slid to and appeared locked.  The patio area was illuminated from the street light opposite and the patio windows in good view.  (I have been there and seen.  We sat a couple of metres or so to the east of where the Tapas group sat )  The back door was just over 50 metres away from the tapas group.   Amaral himself, said that no intruder would go in that way with the parents and friends so close, overlooking.

The window could not have been locked, but Kate and Gerry are on record somewhere saying that they assumed it was locked.  They are also on record IIRC saying that they never opened or tried the window all the time they were there prior to Madeleine vanishing

[Robittybob1]

The front door was effectively locked, because it required a key to get in, but it wasn't double locked.

The back door was not locked because it was not possible to do that from the outside.  It was slid to and appeared locked.  The patio area was illuminated from the street light opposite and the patio windows in good view.  (I have been there and seen.  We sat a couple of metres or so to the east of where the Tapas group sat )  The back door was just over 50 metres away from the tapas group.   Amaral himself, said that no intruder would go in that way with the parents and friends so close, overlooking.

The window could not have been locked, but Kate and Gerry are on record somewhere saying that they assumed it was locked.  They are also on record IIRC saying that they never opened or tried the window all the time they were there prior to Madeleine vanishing

So are you sure you wouldn't have been able to open the front door from the outside, even when it was not locked from the inside?

[sadie]

So are you sure you wouldn't have been able to open the front door from the outside, even when it was not locked from the inside?

I haven't tried it, so I cant know.  However we had a double locking device on our front door and I cant get in without a key even when it is only singly locked.

Since then i have visited London and found that estate agents have a way of getting in to single locked apartments using a credit card.  But not some locks. 

The key to 5A was a very odd affair, rather likie a twig of a Christmas tree with bumps at all angles along the operative stem.  I expect you will have seen the key.  I am very doubtful that a credit card could have opened a lock operated by such a key.  But it would be a simple matter to home kit cast a copy for one off use .

The keys did go missing for a while according to reports.

Almost cetrtainly entrance was gained via the very dark and deeply recessed front door.  No-one passed it so it was completely hidden and private.

[Robittybob1]

....

The key to 5A was a very odd affair, rather likie a twig of a Christmas tree with bumps at all angles along the operative stem.  I expect you will have seen the key.  I am very doubtful that a credit card could have opened a lock operated by such a key.  But it would be a simple matter to home kit cast a copy for one off use .

The keys did go missing for a while according to reports.

Almost certainly entrance was gained via the very dark and deeply recessed front door.  No-one passed it so it was completely hidden and private.

But you would have to have a made-up key to open the door.  That would restrict the number of suspects then wouldn't it?

[Brietta]

Obvious signs of additional security at block five include ...

• the overhanging trees obscuring visibility of the front of apartment 5A were removed
• the bedroom window had a metal grille fitted
• the small side gate was replaced by a security gate
• a spotlight was fitted to the front of the building

Other less visible security measures may have been taken. However the fact that it was felt necessary to add these refinements is indicative that those responsible for the installation were safeguarding and preventing future unauthorised entry from outside.

Why bother taking preventative measures to keep intruders out unless it was firmly believed that the vulnerability of the apartment had already allowed them in.

[Robittybob1]

Obvious signs of additional security at block five include ...

• the overhanging trees obscuring visibility of the front of apartment 5A were removed
• the bedroom window had a metal grille fitted
• the small side gate was replaced by a security gate
• a spotlight was fitted to the front of the building

Other less visible security measures may have been taken. However the fact that it was felt necessary to add these refinements is indicative that those responsible for the installation were safeguarding and preventing future unauthorised entry from outside.

Why bother taking preventative measures to keep intruders out unless it was firmly believed that the vulnerability of the apartment had already allowed them in.

It would be wise to take precautions even when there is no proof there was a connection.

[G-Unit]

It would be wise to take precautions even when there is no proof there was a connection.

Most of the precautions would be paid for by the owner of 5A, perhaps to encourage someone to buy it. I expect the tree removal may have been communally funded; the car park was reportedly dark and scary at night.

[Robittybob1]

Most of the precautions would be paid for by the owner of 5A, perhaps to encourage someone to buy it. I expect the tree removal may have been communally funded; the car park was reportedly dark and scary at night.

I wonder if there have been other changes made to the safety features of the OC that may have been the reaction to the MM Missing case?  e.g Has the balustrade design been altered at all?

[sadie]

But you would have to have a made-up key to open the door.  That would restrict the number of suspects then wouldn't it?

I think so, but a PT poster on  another forum said that there was a way to open these locks without a key.

She understandably declined to reveal it.


If a key was copied, then yes it would restrict the number of suspects IMO.

Easy enough to copy it, but the suspect had to obtain a key to copy in the first place.  On here it has been reported that a certain OC employee lost the keys; I dont know how long for.

[Robittybob1]

I think so, but a PT poster on  another forum said that there was a way to open these locks without a key.

She understandably declined to reveal it.


If a key was copied, then yes it would restrict the number of suspects IMO.

Easy enough to copy it, but the suspect had to obtain a key to copy in the first place.  On here it has been reported that a certain OC employee lost the keys; I dont know how long for.

I'll find out how easy they are to pick.