Concern about insecurity in Peru: 45% of Peruvians feel unsafe, especially in Lima

The concern for insecurity in Peru has been increasing, according to a recent report that reveals that 45% of Peruvians feel unsafe, with men living in Lima, between 30 and 44 years old, from socioeconomic levels A, B, and C being the most affected. In this regard, Hilario Chong Shing, Manager of the Customer Experience Unit at Activa, pointed out that in the capital of the country, the perception of insecurity reaches a worrying 49.9%, while in provinces it stands at 41.7%. In response to this situation, the report indicates that, although some people choose to change their routines to feel safer, another group of citizens prefers to allocate part of their income to the purchase of security products or hiring security services. Specifically, 28% of respondents have modified their travel habits, 12% have purchased surveillance cameras, and 5% have hired insurance for their bank cards. Regarding the purchase of security products, women in Lima between 30 and 59 years old, from socioeconomic levels A and B, are the ones leading the acquisition of surveillance cameras and insurance for cards. Despite men being more likely victims of crimes, they are the ones taking the least actions to feel secure, as highlighted by Activa's analysis. The study reveals that, on average, each person opting for security measures has 1.7 services contracted and 1.5 security products in their home. The average monthly expenditure on security services is estimated at S/ 281, while on security products it is S/ 98. In this sense, men in Lima over 45 years old and from socioeconomic levels A and B are the ones investing the most in security. Hilario Chong emphasized that, on average, between 3% and 3.5% of a Peruvian's monthly income is allocated to preventive security measures. However, he pointed out that there is still room for the security services and products market to expand, as long as the offer adjusts to families' purchasing power. It is essential for companies in the sector to promote their services and benefits to raise awareness about the importance of being protected against crime. The research design included online surveys through a representative panel with national coverage. The sample of 872 surveys was proportionally stratified by variables such as age, socioeconomic level, area, and gender. These results highlight the growing concern of Peruvians about insecurity and the need to find effective solutions to protect themselves in an increasingly uncertain environment.