The results of crime victim survey, shows that 60 percent of the city residents do not feel secure in Turkey. Although Turkey has been dealing with issues of terrorism and political violence for decades, the rapid increase in crime, private and commercial fraud, fires and other safety hazards have rendered security a prime concern for private citizens as well as for industry and commerce. Thus, demand for safety and security equipment and services has been stimulated, and the sector is experiencing remarkable growth.

The total market for safety and security equipment and services in Turkey was estimated, by U.S. Commercial Service, to be around USD 2.8 billion in 2006 and is expected to climb to USD 3 billion in 2007. In 2007, physical security services, meaning private security guards, patrols, and security training services, are expected to capture USD 2.5 billion of the total market, electronic security methods USD 360 million and cash in transfer services (C.I.T., cash and valuables) USD 165 million.

The growth in the safety and security equipment and services sector in Turkey is related to the new investments made by financial institutions, airports, large industrial groups, multinational corporations, real estate companies, shopping centers, and retail chains.

The electronic security products segment refers to all types of products for intruder and fire detection and alarm systems, closed circuit systems, IT security, and access control systems. Currently around 1,000 companies operate in this market, whose size was about USD 330 million in 2006. All factories, tourist facilities and shopping centers are required to install fire sensing and detection equipment, fire alarm systems and fire extinguishers. Turkish households have not yet acquired the habit of installing either smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or gas detectors; however, this is due to change as Turkey is working to become a full member of the EU and will have to rapidly adapt to EU standards. In general, the penetration of electronic security methods in the banking institutions, large and multinational corporations, premium offices, and smart buildings across Turkey has reached 60-70 percent.

Electronic security technology needs vary according to sector and company needs. For instance, in industrial sectors the primary objective might be protection of manufacturing areas/investments and workplace security, whereas in retail sectors the priority might be solutions for theft detection and prevention. Currently the most popular systems in Turkey are listed as follows:

• CCTV
• Electronic Surveillance Systems
• Access Control Equipment and Systems
• Biometric Systems
• Fire Detection and Warning Systems
• Sales Point POS/EM Data Software
• RFID Product Safety Labeling
• X-Ray Screening Equipment
• Metal/Weapon Detectors

Industry experts predict that the electronic security products market will expand 300 percent in the next five years. Depending on the system, the share of imported products ranges between 70 to 90 percent. Far-eastern countries--China, Taiwan and Korea--supply lower cost, simpler systems and have captured about 20 percent of the total market in only three years. For advanced, high quality systems such as sophisticated computerized systems that integrate several IT solutions, U.S. or European companies' products are preferred.

The prices are still the most important issue for buyers, but in recent years quality has started to be as important as the price and security proffessionals think that quality will prevail in two years. Burglars and robberies have increased, espacially in big cities like İstanbul and Ankara. Hence, city surveillance and home protection are highly demanded products.