Multiple layers of security at condominiums too strict for comfort?

GURGAON: Multiple security layers are more the norm rather than an exception at most condominiums in Gurgaon today. However, careless loopholes such as open security gates end up weakening the entire security system, propped up with the latest security gadgets and metal detectors. Most residents support security checks, but sometimes find them too stringent on visitors.
Private security guards lament the fact that they are mostly on the receiving end of such complaints, as frequent security checks end up irritating guests.But they have strict instructions to do their duty without any such considerations.
Being a condominium, we are safe from major mishaps, but the house owners also have to keep a check on the workers. We have 60 security guards in our complex who are deployed all over the society.
Surveillance cameras are also installed at different locations which can capture the clear pictures in the dark, said Bobby Sehgal, president of Windsor Court RWA.
A senior corporate executive, and resident of Trinity Towers, Sampann Neb fully supports the security personnel in her society, even though sometimes her guests complain about being hassled at the entry gate.
My family is largely based out of Delhi-NCR, so I have guests over at my place very often. The guards check each and every car thoroughly and register the contact details of visitors, which takes at least 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes when there are a lot of cars at the gate, it can even take over half an hour to just enter the complex, he said.
Some condominiums have gone as far as to make it mandatory for security staff to ask for police verification and a reference from one of the residents. We are planning to install metal detectors at the entrance to the condominium so that everyone can be checked, added Bobby.
Interestingly, police records suggest that such high security is often unwarranted as the most common crimes reported from these areas are cases of petty theft, usually by maidservants.
At Hamilton Court, one of the tallest high rises in the city, guards keep a strict vigil on maids, drivers and visitors cars too. The security supervisor of this high-rise said, There are 10 guards including one female guard and one supervisor. Visitors are allowed to enter the complex only after the verification process is complete.
Some condominiums say they find it difficult to hire a competent security. Atul Batra, president of Heritage City RWA, alleged that in many cases security agencies bring in freshers to work as guards in housing colonies, using their residential colonies as an ideal atmosphere in which to train their work force.
After working here for a couple of months, the guards are sent to work at various corporate offices.
Alok Mittal, joint commissioner of police, said, We have written to all of the DCPs asking them to conduct security audits of the private security agencies in a bid to bring about better results in their performance. The security agencies would be warned and could have their licence cancelled if they do not do their job well.
However, Kamla Devi, a resident of Jharsa village, who works with a family in Ardee city as a domestic help, uses the service gate at the rear end of the building complex, which isnt manned by a guard.
The gate has been opened for domestic staff working in Ardee City, as they had problemswalking all the way from the main gate, she said.
Such loopholes can be seen in various other residential complexes that deploy staff only at the main gates, lobby, and basement parking.
The service gates are only used by the building staff. We too keep an eye on it at times, but our main focus remains on the lobbies and main gates, claimed Anwar Ali, head guard of Wellington Court.