The economic recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many people into unemployment and extreme poverty. According to a cross-national study by the United Nations Global Pulse Initiative, there is a link between the changes in these economic indicators with related changes in recorded crime.
According to Har Ghar Surakshit Report 2020, 60% cops in Western India believe that there will be an increase in home thefts after a complete lifting of the lockdownin the region. The research conducted by InQognito Insights highlights the vulnerability of homes in West and was conducted across cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune.
The report says that 62% cops believe that people in the west region don’t take enough safety measures as they believe they are not robbery targets. Moreover, 65% cops also agree that residents start taking home safety seriously only after they experience an incident of threat. The report further reveals that 24% cops believe that independent homes are most vulnerable during mid-nightand the residential segment is at a higher perceived risk than the commercial segment. Also, 61% of cops believe senior citizens in west are the most vulnerable to home break-ins and robberies. Cops are already witnessing an increase in petty thefts, vehicle thefts, and commercial break-ins. The report captures a holistic picture of crime levels post COVID-19 across regions in the country.
With offices gradually opening and people going back to work, homes will be more vulnerable to break-ins, with independent houses and private apartments/flats at a greater risk. An alarming 61% cops have observed that people rely on neighbours / domestic workers / security guards for their safety. This underlines the fact that citizens are still dependent on others instead of taking proactive measures to take charge of their home safety. While 31% cops think branded locks are most critical for home safety, there is a paradox when it comes to adoption. 79% cops feel there is an urgent need to raise public awareness around home safety technology solutions.
Shyam Motwani, Executive Vice-President and Business Head, Godrej Locks, said, “The Har Ghar Surakshit 2020 report is an attempt to showcase a real situation analysis of India’s home safety quotient. The insights we have received are noteworthy as they are from our trusted safety custodians – the police. We hope that these insights will help citizens understand the vulnerability of their homes and encourage them to raise their home safety quotient by adopting home safety technology solutions.”
As part of the Har Ghar Surakshit Report 2020, Godrej Locks surveyed police officers from across India. It captures their views around home safety observed by citizens and the COVID-19 impact on crime levels.
