Thaindian News

London, March 10 (ANI): A new study has revealed that the average Briton carries round nine keys - but has no idea what at least three of them open.

It means there are about 141 million “mystery keys”, some of them for homes they no longer live in, reports the Daily Express.

The survey conducted by insurance firm esure found that the average woman owns 10 keys but can’t recall, which locks two of them will open.

And men admit to having eight on their keyring, with about one in four for unknown locks.

Researchers found that 27 per cent of those surveyed owned between 10 and 15 keys, with a further nine per cent possessing 21 or more separate keys.

Worryingly, one in five of us keep our old keys when moving home.

But fewer than a third change the locks after they leave.

The poll also found that one in five homes has a key hidden within 10ft of the front door, with the most common place a garden rock, followed by plant pots and door mats.

One in 10 don’t bother to change locks after losing a set of keys and two-thirds give keys to neighbours, family or friends.

Of these, the over-55s are the most trusting, with a third saying they often lend their keys.

“Changing locks when moving house or after losing keys can be a hassle but it will lead to greater peace of mind and help avoid a potentially unpleasant experience,” Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure, said. (ANI)