Sorry that I might have been uncleared in the of word 'lock'. The samsonite hardcase suitcase comes with one main and two side 'clamps'. The clamps keep the suitcase securely closed. The main clamp has a built in combination lock and the side clamp has a built in lock with key. I never use any of the locks when I check in luggage due to TSA screening, although I use the combination lock on the clamp frequently when I am in a hoteL.
It make me wonder when:
1. He uses the same suitcase as me, so he should know how to open up the clamp (non-locked). Instead a bar was used to plier it opened.
2. All the clamps of his suitcase have been replaced by 3rd party parts (light brown, diff color from the black suitcase) may suggest that they were all broken and needed to be replaced.
3. I lost a bag with valuable clothing items a few years ago and was never found.
Life is short -- for some relief, I recommend watching "What's Up Doc," from 1972 (Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neill) and still worth the time!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069495/?ref_=ttmd_md_nm
"The accidental mix up of four identical plaid overnight bags leads to a series of increasingly wild and wacky situations."