On this day in Yorkshire 1933

The exhibition of a new type of car lock, as fitted to variety of vehicles, large and small, which has Just opened at the Dorland Hall in London, will Interest many of the thousands of motorists in search of a simple way of making their cars bandit-proof.

This new locking system is keyless, depending on the setting of a combination the same way as a safe.

Its security is due to the owner having a choice of 17,576 three-letter codes and the design is such that it is virtually Impossible for the mechanism to be effectively tampered with by unauthorised persons.

A change from one combination to another, as the “open sesame” can, however, be made in less than minute.

The other outstanding feature of the lock is that it acts in two ways. It locks the Ignition switch, and also the bonnet, taking the place of the ordinary bonnet fasteners.

The whole action is mechanically fool-proof, and there seems to be no possibility of cars fitted with the device being stolen, apart from the negligible chance of a bandit guessing the right combination.

The operating mechanism of the lock is clamped to the steering column.

Scotland Yard officials inspected the system yesterday.

It is stated that they were entirely satisfied, and expressed the opinion that there would be few car thefts If the “Donford“ lock were universally used.

Last year, it was pointed out, thefts of 5,880 motor cars were reported to the Metropolitan Police.

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