IMPACT OF PERSONAL SECURITY AWARENESS AMONG HOUSE OWNERS IN AKUNGBA AKOKO ONDO STATE.

ABSTRACT Security is the state of being safe or protected from danger, harm or threat. It includes principles that enable citizens live in peace and harmony, have access to resource and basic necessities of life, participate fully and freely in daily life activity and enjoy protection from threats. Safety is the root of security; when one think about safety of life and property one thinks about the security out-fits to put in place. This study therefore investigate impact and effect of personal security awareness among house owners in Akungba Akoko, Ondo state. The population of this study comprises of house owners in Akungba Akoko, Ondo state. Descriptive research of the survey type was adopted for the study. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The research instrument used for this study was self-structured questionnaire and eighty (80) respondents were sampled. The data collected from the field were analyzed using frequency counts. The finding of the study revealed common security threat in the community that thieves often target homes with valuable items during festivals or holidays, miscreants damage or destroy property, community experienced instances of armed robbery, making homeowners vulnerable, foceful entry into homes while occupants are present, kidnapping cases have been reported in the area, making residents cautious. It also challenges house owner face that homeowners do not know how to identify and reduce security risks, busy with work schedules and place other tasks over security awareness, shortage of fund to access security resources and tools, not receiving timely security updates or alerts, homeowners struggle to understand and use security technology. The study therefore concluded that local authorities and community leaders should intensify efforts to promote security awareness through regular workshops, community meetings, and collaborative partnerships with law enforcement agencies. These initiatives would enhance the ability. The study therefore recommend that house owners should be encouraged to establish communication channels with local security agencies, such as emergency hotlines or neighborhood liaison officers. A rapid response system ensures that any security breach or suspicious activity is addressed swiftly, reducing the risk of crime.