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Lock Cylinder Evaluation
Without question, the most important element of any vehicle examination centers on a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical ignition lock cylinder. Not surprisingly, in approximately 80% of all fraudulent claims, some manner of physical damage is found to be present on the ignition cylinder. While the damage is typically proven to be merely cosmetic in nature, the overall integrity of the cylinder must be accurately authenticated to a high degree of scientific certainty. Furthermore, what may initially appear to be a legitimate compromise of the cylinder may not, in reality, always be factual. To support this statement let us consider one of our recent assignments.
An insured's 1995 Ford Mustang was allegedly stolen and recovered with obvious signs of physical damage present on the steering column. The SIU agent handling the claim examined the vehicle and subsequently concluded the ignition lock cylinder had been forcibly compromised. His conclusion was based on the fact that the cylinder was obviously broken, that the tip of a chisel was seemingly stuck in the cylinder, and that he was able to insert a screwdriver into the ignition cylinder and easily rotate it into the "on/start" positions. While these symptoms do loosely correlate the classic "forced ignition" scenario, appearances are often deceiving.
Upon our arrival at the examination site it was verified the ignition lock cylinder had, in fact, been subjected to an external physical assault. In addition, and as the SIU agent had correctly asserted, the cylinder was found to be freely movable using only a screwdriver. However, during routine otoscopic analysis of the cylinder's internal plug assembly, it became obvious that the broken chisel tip bore a strong resemblance to the millings of a key. In reality, after the ignition cylinder had been removed and disassembled, an entire key was found to be present within the lock assembly. Furthermore, laboratory analysis of the recovered key not only established the key was correctly cut for the cylinder, but that it was badly worn from continual usage. Consequently, it had not been recently created for the purpose of appropriating the vehicle. The claim was ultimately denied.
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