In my neighborhood, there are a few unsecured broadcast. I think, over in the states, that the newer more modern routers have some sort of built in protection to this. While I see the unsecured connections, when trying to connect I'm still confronted with it asking for a password. Unless, that the unsecured connection has bee set up that way. From my experience, they're all that way from what I've tried to connect to on these unsecured connections.
Although I know most of my neighbors and some quite well, I'll let them know that they are unsecured and broadcasting, if they like I can show them how to secure their connection. Most are astonished and had no idea they were exposed and possibly being piggy backed.