Another advantage resulting from a banker in many places that lack safe deposit vaults is, that the customer has a secure place of deposit for any deeds, papers, or other property that may require peculiar care. If a party were going to the country he might send his plate or jewelry to his banker, who will lock it up in his strong room, and thus it will be preserved from fire and thieves until his return. European lawyers, stockbrokers, and others, who have deeds, securities or other documents of importance left in their custody, can send them to the bank during the night, and thus avoid the danger of fire. In America, safety deposit vaults are now found in every city of importance, often operated in connection with banks. In the smaller cities, towns and villages, the banker is a universal custodian of valuables for his depositors.