Liability for a Missing Item
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Question
The director of an institution asked me to break the lock by cutting the chain (this was on a voluntary basis). I cut the chain and left it in the area. A few hours later, the lock and chain disappeared. Am I liable?
Answer
Hello
If it was clear that the chain and lock were intended for further use [despite the cut you made], and you left them in an unsecured place, you are liable for the damage.
However, there are several cases where there is no obligation to pay, for example:
If it is not customary to keep the cut chain and the lock that cannot be opened, you were not required to guard them, and you are exempt.
If the place where you left them is secure, such as inside the institution's building, you are exempt from payment.
If the owner of the institution or the responsible person was present and did not take the chain and lock to a secure place, you are exempt from payment.