We lock and set alarms always, including perimeter alarms. In a high risk anchorage, we would keep share being on watch, but we'd prefer not to even anchor in such an area. Stepping on the boat one would be met with a Non-Lethal Deterrent. These come in three basic forms: Sirens, Lights, Smoke
I think we tend to overlook what is referred to as Non-Lethal Deterrents. While Petty Theft may not require them, high risk areas of piracy definitely would and all other situations are somewhere in between. But these non lethal deterrents are even what the USCG recommends in areas of risk and what cargo ships in high piracy areas are going to.
While we don't obsess about security, we will be boating in the Caribbean and other areas that have had incidents from theft to attacks to piracy. Now, honestly, the odds of being attacked are probably greater ashore and may well be higher walking along the streets at home. Still, we do feel better with security.
As to those who leave things unlocked and the keys handy, we don't fault them. I once owned a house right after college that when I got ready to sell it I had to get keys made since I'd long ago lost mine. But today I wouldn't leave it unlocked as I did then. And that isn't changed times, it's older and wiser me. There were plenty of thefts around the lake back then.
And this thread wasn't started to determine a right or wrong, anymore than we will with anchors. Simply to hear what others do. And in that regard it's working, especially with an entirely new concept I'd not considered, slugs. I must indicate however that several of those currently with us are not open to that idea.
