ABU DHABI // Four in ten residents in the UAE have become more security conscious in the last three years - especially the Asian community.
Of 1008 respondents to a crime survey, 41 per cent said they had stepped up security measures. A higher percentage of Asians (49 per cent) agree with this followed by Western expatriates (40 per cent), Emiratis (40 per cent) and Arab expatriates (25 per cent).
The main reasons for being more security conscious include a belief that there has been increase in crime generally in the UAE (44 per cent) and to feel more secure (43 per cent).
Other respondents who agreed they had become more security conscious said it was because they had either been a victim, or knew of a victim, of burglary or theft while others said they were following security advice given by police.
“Being more security conscious does not necessarily reflect a direct response to threat; it translates as a sense of awareness,” said Lara Al Barazi, associate research director of YouGov.
“Being more security conscious is a responsibility every citizen should hold and would eventually discourage potential theft or robbery.
“Knowing someone who has been a crime victim or hearing about cases only entice residents to be more responsible.”
Of those asked, 17 per cent admitted they had become less security conscious.
Many UAE residents felt security was not an issue as they felt safe in the country. Many expatriates also cited feeling safer than in their home country.
“I feel totally safe,” said American expatriate Melissa McPike. “I am from the United States and there I felt I could not even go to the petrol station at night.”
The UAE is a different story, she said.
“Here - I can leave the apartment door unlocked and even the bag in the car,” said the HR worker at ADNOC oil company.
The 47-year-old has lived in the UAE for 22 years and describes the country as very safe.
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