MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

One out of three Chileans fearful of leaving homes

One out of three Chileans prefer not to leave their houses fearing the actions of criminals, according to the latest survey from the Santiago Freedom and Development Institute released this week.

The survey completed last April 12 shows that 226.000 Chilean homes have been victims of different crimes in the last three months. As a consequence, 26% of home dwellers prefer to remain at home at night for fear of being robbed. Another 15% won't allow their children to go out unaccompanied and 12% have invested in alarm systems and other security measures.

Most Chileans indicates the survey, have taken action to protect themselves from criminals: 46% have protected their homes doors and windows with railings; 14% have organized neighbours patrols; 13% have alarm systems and 6% contracted vigilance personnel.

Among the more risky and crime prone conducts residents complain about in their neighborhoods are: alcohol drinking 27%; drugs consumption 12% and to a lesser extent, 10%, underage gangs with blade weapons and in some cases fire arms.

Regarding police presence in different quarters, 53% said it is "insufficient" and 20% say it's nonexistent.

As to how government institutions responsible for public security rate (0 to 10 points), the survey shows Carabineros is the most trusted with 5, followed by the administration 4.5; local mayors 4.2; prosecutors 3.7 and last of all the Judiciary with 2.9 points.

A further disturbing factor is that apparently 55% of crimes are not reported to officials, and only 3% of cases reported have a successful sentencing by the Judiciary.

The survey involved 1.000 people, over 18, registered in the Electoral Role, living in Chile's main cities and representing 70% of the country's homes. The error margin is plus/minus 5%.