Indeed, American Vendors could do the same.
That aspect becomes a question of ‘who do you trust’
Places I have lived, once I get to know the neighbours, I’m likely to give one or two of them a door key, for use in emergencies. They could misuse it, that’s a risk.
But it doesn’t follow that I should stand outside the local magistrates court, handing my door keys to every petty criminal on their way through the door.