Fortunately I grew up in an era when security was taken for granted and none lost his sleep on this issue. In fact everyone slept soundly without any worries at night, with all the windows wide open, except during the rainy season. As time passed news of both daytime and nighttime robberies spread across whole of Goa. Peace of mind that prevailed till then was badly affected. Almost every one who could afford decided to get the windows, fitted with iron grills and front and back doors that remained open from 6 to 6 during the whole day, had to be kept closed and locked.
Slowly reports started surfacing that houses were not only burgled but women and elderly were physically assaulted by the criminals with impunity and demanding to disclose were cash and gold ornaments were kept. Unoccupied houses too were broken in. Police in most cases were clueless and would arrest persons on suspicion, that too after receiving some kind of descriptions from the victims. But very few were caught and later released on bail or set free.
We decided to fit all our windows with strong iron grills in 1976. Some house owners went to the extent of providing additional iron gate to reinforce the main door. As years passed even shops, offices, restaurants and banks became targets for criminals. It looked like that not only locals and migrants were involved but some organised inter-state gangs were responsible for some of the well-executed dacoities and robberies. Rarely they were caught and worse, those who were caught were seldom convicted by Courts for want of evidence.
All of a sudden security became a serious casualty and peace of mind was shattered.
Workshops manufacturing iron grills and gates became a flourishing industry.
How secure are we now in spite of having installed burglar alarms CCTV cameras and other modern gadgets? What’s is the reality today? Insecurity is not only a reality but unfortunately is prevalent day and night almost everywhere, on isolated spots, lonely roads and even in crowded areas. Incidents of kidnapping of children and young boys and girls for ransom are quite common.
Criminals not only robbed, injured the victims, but often went to the extent of killing them to do away with any evidence that could later expose them. Can anyone confidently say that with such serious safety issues in his mind, is able to enjoy real peace of mind?
Finally the society where I live, the members have unanimously decided that we need to install CCTV cameras at the earliest, to beef up the security in spite of having 24 hours watchmen on duty.
