High-tech Hyderabad suffers security lag, says GSS index

With the wedding season just around the corner, this time of the year is customary for Hyderabadis to indulge in expensive jewellery and electronics' purchases. Given this background, an alarming number of citizens have admitted to being stressed and concerned about leaving their valuables at home without adequate safeguards, according to a survey conducted by security solutions provider, Godrej Security Systems (GSS).

The findings are a part of GSS’ ‘National Home Security Index’, which surveyed about 3,800 households across India in 11 major cities. The survey is a measure of consumer concern about the safety of family and valuables at home.

“Gadget-crazy Hyderabadis, who are usually among the first to buy the latest electronic devices in the country, confess to being worried about their safety from burglaries and robberies (96%) much more than the national average of 71%,” the survey said.

The survey also noted that citizens of Hyderabad tend to leave a considerable amount of cash and valuables in their home (more than 70%) lockers instead of bank lockers. This percentage typically goes up during the festival and wedding season when traditional heirloom jewels are brought out of lockers for use and a lot of new jewellery is bought as well.

Though a larger number of respondents (89%) shared that they would like to know more about security equipment and consider it for safeguarding their homes, the study said, yet the amount that respondents were willing to spend on a good security systems averaged Rs 3,945, almost half of the national average of Rs 6,845.

“In India, a burglary happens every 15 seconds. Our survey has found that most people still rely on low-level security grills, mechanical locks, peepholes and watchmen for their security needs. While it is good to have these methods of security in place; in this day and age, when burglars and anti-social elements are becoming more sophisticated in their techniques, it is very important that they take additional precautions to ensure the safety of their loved ones they leave at home as well as their hard earned valuables,” said Mehernosh Pithawalla, assistant vice-president (marketing), GSS.