Mumbai, 11 November 2020: As we gear up for Home Safety Day (observed on November 15), 65% cops foresee home robberies and thefts increasing post complete lifting of lockdown, highlights Godrej Locks ‘Har Ghar Surakshit Report 2020: Safety Insights from India’s Police Force’. Unemployment triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic seen as one of the reasons behind this increase. Cops are already witnessing a rise in petty thefts, vehicle thefts, and commercial break-ins. This research was conducted by InQognito Insights and released as part of Har Ghar Surakshit, a nationwide public awareness initiative by Godrej Locks to make people home safety conscious.

The report by Godrej Locks, states that 71% cops agree people start taking home safety seriously only after they experience a break-in. While, 64% cops stressed that people do not adopt safety practices, making them prone to home break-ins. Additionally, 68% cops observed that people rely on neighbours / househelp /watchmen for their safety. This underlines how citizens are dependent on others for their safety instead of taking proactive measures to have control of their own safety. In this digital age where technology has become part of our everyday life, 85% cops felt an urgent need to raise public awareness around home safety technology solutions. Interestingly, 65% cops felt that the public perception of police improved during the lockdown.

Commenting on the research report, Shyam Motwani, Executive Vice-President and Business Head, Godrej Locks, said, “The Har Ghar Surakshit 2020 report gives an eye-opening revelation concerning home safety, coming right from our trusted safety custodians – the police. Safety this year is more crucial due to the pandemic as well as 65% projected increase in home robberies and break-ins post the lockdown. As we observe Home Safety Day and the second anniversary of Har Ghar Surakshit this year, we call for collective efforts by authorities and citizens to adopt measures for safeguarding homes. With 85% cops recommending raising public awareness around home safety solutions, Godrej Locks will focus its efforts to increase this safety quotient of people through Har Ghar Surakshit initiative.”

Har Ghar Surakshit Report 2020 by Godrej Locks surveyed police officers from across India. It captured their views around home safety observed by citizens and the COVID-19 impact on crime levels. The report has further highlighted the vulnerability of Indian homes, showing that independent homes and private apartments are more prone to robberies. Break-in incidences were higher during the night, and midnight hours.

Speaking of home safety solutions, 64% cops found locks to be the most important. However, most people do not change or upgrade their locking systems of their homes.

Home Safety Day - November 15, is a day dedicated to make citizens conscious of their home safety levels. Godrej Locks has secured safety of homes and commercial spaces over 120 years now. As a prelude to this occasion and to also mark the second anniversary of its Har Ghar Surakshit initiative, Godrej Locks will organize week-long series of conversations on social media, with domain experts from fields like crime, legal, home designing and architecture, etc. These experts will share their perspective and be a part of this movement of bolstering safety of Indian homes. The discussions will focus on understanding psychology of criminals, motives and ways in which people can protect themselves and design their homes.