How safe do you feel in SA?
People are feeling less safe in their home and at public gatherings, according to RAA’s 2018 Security Report.
More than a third of respondents (36%) felt South Australia was not as safe now as it was two years ago, according to RAA’s survey of almost 400 members.
Almost two thirds said they had become more worried about a terrorist attack in SA during the same period.
Terrorist attacks overseas and interstate in recent years have seen authorities identify potential risks in this state and invest in security upgrades. This includes greater scrutiny of sports fans attending Adelaide Oval and more than $1 million spent on security measures, such as installing bollards at Rundle Mall and Adelaide Central Market, at the city’s top tourist attractions.
While most respondents welcomed extra security measures at public events and places, the heightened security levels were causing anxiety, the report showed.
In fact, four in five respondents said increased security at public events made them feel safer. However, almost half of respondents said, “increased security at public events makes me worried about my personal safety’’.
RAA Secure Services spokesperson Ben Nottage said terror attacks interstate and overseas had naturally raised people’s concerns our state could potentially be targeted.
“Security measures such as installing bollards at Rundle Mall highlight the potential risks and we see that reflected in the survey,’’ he said.
On the home front, one in five respondents said they felt less safe from intruders during the past 12 months. This compared to just over one in 10 who said they felt safer at home, while 68% reported no change.
Mr Nottage said it was worrying that more people felt less secure in their home in the past year.
“This is reflected by a 25% increase in enquiries we have had for home security monitoring during the same time,’’ he said.
“People are seeking advice about personal alert systems as well as home and monitored alarms.’’
The report also found:
- More women (37%) than men (30%) would not attend an event due to security concerns
- People also felt the least safe in large crowds (19%) and most safe when out with friends (3%)
- Metropolitan residents were more concerned about safety in the community (20%) than those living beyond Adelaide (14%).