George Michael leaves Highgate home unlocked

The freedom to breeze through the front door and leave it unlocked could be seen as a sure sign that you live in a peaceful and pleasant area, but no matter how desirable the postcode, it's generally far from advisable in London. Particularly not when you're a pop star with possessions worth countless millions...

So what was George Michael doing leaving his £5 million Highgate Mansion unlocked and unattended in the middle of the night? It's still not clear quite what was going through the former Wham! singer's head, but it got me thinking about how secure we feel in our area and wheather Highgate for you provides the sort of cosy, village atmosphere that's so often sought and so little found in the capital.

I've lived in some lovely bits of London, and I've lived in some of the grottier parts, too. And my conclusion is much the same to that of any born and bred Londoner I've ever met: that you're as safe (and as unsafe) anywhere within the M25. I can't speak for many places outside of it as I haven't lived in any for long (although my record number of attempted muggings in one year was clocked up while living in the South of France). But crime in London seems to be as much of an issue wherever you live.

How have you found that Highgate compares to other areas you know? Do you feel safer here than in other neighbourhoods? Would you leave your door unlocked!?