Hong Kong behind closed doors - Synovate study shows our homes are our fortresses
15 November 2005
HONG KONG — Global research company, Synovate, today released results of a study on home security showing that 95% of Hong Kong residents live behind greater security than a front door.
Jill Telford, Managing Director of Synovate Hong Kong, said that the survey showed the majority of residents have either a security guard or obstacles like gates, doors or barriers before their front door could be reached - in many cases, both.
"Hong Kong is a security-conscious society. It's now normal - almost ubiquitous - to live with barriers, security guards, closed circuit television and other security measures.
"Our homes really are our fortresses and, unless you are resident, it's hard to get to most front doors. The days of being able to pop in unannounced are long gone," she said.
Ms Telford said looking at how the people of Hong Kong live has shown security-consciousness across all socio-economic groups, not just the middle to upper income brackets.
"We found that 90% of Hong Kong residents from the lower household income group, below HK$15,000 per month, have security measures of some kind for their homes," she said.
The Synovate home security study found that people living in Government subsidised housing and public housing have as stringent, if not higher, security measures than the general population - 99% and 97% respectively have one or more security measure.
"Overall, 88% of Hong Kong people now have a guard, watchman or security person on duty where they live and 87% have a security barrier between public access areas and their front door. It would not be an easy life to sell from door-to-door," Ms Telford said.
The extra security measures provided by security guards include:- 81% of people with security guards report that visitors need to register at the security desk;
- 69% report that visitors need to indicate the resident's details in order to get past the security guard; and
- in half of the homes with security guards, the visitor's identity is checked with the resident before they are allowed to pass
The study was conducted in September 2005 via AsiaBUS, Synovate's monthly omnibus survey. The interviews were conducted by telephone in order to reach a representative sample of respondents.
Ms Telford added, "As we can no longer get to many front doors, telephone or online surveys are the most reliable ways to speak with the broad cross section of Hong Kong residents."
Contact(s) for this press release
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Linda Collard
Director, Marketing Communications |
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9/F Leighton Centre |
Telephone: +852 2830 2588 |
Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions. The network provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,000 employees across 62 countries.
For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com.