Mumbai:
Is it a common sight to see your building watchmen catching forty winks whenever you spot him? When thefts in the neighbourhood are increasing, is it the security agency that is to be blamed? How alert and attentive are the security agencies in our societies?
There are many who have no faith in the security agency of their society, Hardik Dani, a 26-year-old businessman residing in Krishnashray co-op housing society at Andheri (West), is one of them. "The security guard in our building is totally lax. There was a robbery that happened six months ago. In the early mornings or late at night, I have seen the watchmen dozing without any care about who is entering or leaving the building premises," he says.
This is probably the case because the watchmen don't earn well from doing just one job and most of them work in two or three different societies. Hence, due to fatigue, they tend to fall asleep during work.
Our guards are reliable.
There are those like Drushti Shah, a housewife residing at Borivali IC colony, who are quite happy with the security in their building. Most of the couples in her society are working. There is a chance of random people walking in and out, but the security guards don't let unknown persons in without informing the residents via intercom. "I feel secure in my society as the guards are very particular about not letting in strangers. Even the courier boys or salesman won't be allowed in without our permission," she adds.
Their maids too are familiar with the security system. But Shah informs that a theft took place in the neighboring area recently despite equally good security. It is thus important to have a totally reliable security agency. A detailed background check of all the guards is vital.
Regarding lapses in security, DI Kamble, executive officer, Security and Escort Services Pvt Ltd, points out, "Most of the people take on the job of a security guard come from other states. They keep changing their jobs and location, so the police don't have the time to go to their original hometown and verify the person's background. Every security agency gives training to all recruited guards and it is very professional. But they are expected to work 12 to 15 hours at a stretch. In such cases, the guards are bound to have some a nap sometimes while on duty." So what is the way to having a foolproof security system? Technology could be key with CCTV cameras, alarm systems, proper locks, panic switches, night devices like sensors that feed into a common control panel, he says.
But there are some agencies and societies that are particular about the security. Krunal Deshpande, an interior designer residing at Worli, says, "I have many clients based in south Mumbai and the security in most societies there is commendable. They pay a huge amount for maintenance and a lot is spent on the security as well."
Also, after a number of burglaries in the city, people don't want to take a chance. It is thus time that societies take their security concerns seriously. Apart from theft, many families have children and/or aged parents at home alone. Several aspects about their security requirements too need to be taken into consideration.