This is a Brooklin version of a double-latched-lock. It’s on a local boathouse that we photograph each year as a small part of our investigation to determine whether the public paranoia that we see elsewhere has reached here yet. It has not, as of 2018.
This high-security lock consists of two independently-operated parts: First, there is the plunger-latch artfully spliced into a nice white rope. That’s notice to all that they should not remove the rope and enter, unless they have a legitimate reason to do so. Second, there’s the eye-catching red handle and thumb-latch to allow easy entry for those with a legitimate reason to enter.
Padlocks are not common here and car keys often are left in the car. In general, we worry more about illegal entry by skunks and squirrels than by humans. (Brooklin, Maine)