Faced with the risks of theft, burglary, or assault, households, shops, and businesses are investing in security guards, metal grilles, cameras, alarms, and other devices. Behind these security concerns lies a stark reality: the cost of protection.
In Ampasampito, habits are changing, even for cash-point operators. Eric Rakotonanahary, a service point manager, has adjusted his operating hours. Previously open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., his establishment now opens later and closes earlier. “You have to change your entry and exit times every day to avoid being tracked by thieves,” he explains. He limits the cash kept on-site and makes more frequent trips to his suppliers. Metal grilles, thick glass, and security guards also reinforce the safety of certain service points.
Protecting oneself requires resources. According to Jenner Razafindrazaka, General Manager and risk management consultant at IAS, a security guard costs about 450,000 ariary per month. A camera starts at 130,000 ariary, with accessories and installation adding about 300,000 ariary to the bill. A sound alarm costs between 150,000 and 300,000 ariary, excluding installation. Barbed wire is estimated at about 75,000 ariary for ten meters.
In addition to these, there are other costs: guard dogs, reinforcing doors and fences, or defensive measures. A business that closes early loses operating hours. A company that hires a guard adds a financial burden. Households reinforcing their gates also incur expenses. Insecurity in the capital takes many forms: petty theft, burglary, snatching, motorcycle theft, and armed attacks. Concerns are high in popular neighborhoods such as Andavamamba, Ambilanibe, Namontana, Ankasina, 67 Ha, and Antohomadinika.
At the central police station in Tsaralalàna, 147 cases of theft were recorded between September 27 and October 6. The report includes 81 petty thefts, 28 burglaries, 16 attempted thefts, nine motorcycle thefts, three snatchings, two armed robberies, and one robbery committed with a firearm. While police and local ‘fokontany’ patrols continue, the impact of insecurity goes beyond statistics, altering schedules, travel, and household budgets.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-08 06:08:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/insecurite-se-proteger-devient-une.html