Residents of New York are increasingly fortifying their homes with panic rooms and bullet-proof doors due to rising concerns about crime, immigration, and national instability. This trend extends beyond the city’s elite, encompassing middle-class citizens. Steve Humble, founder of Creative Home Engineering, according to the NY Post, said “Not every [customer] is an ultra-rich stockbroker — a lot of them are just people, middle-class kind of people.”
David Vranicar, whose company Fortified and Ballistic Security specializes in bulletproof doors and windows, reported to the NY Post, “New York has gotten really busy for us lately. People are not feeling safe the way they used to”
Vranicar pointed out that demand is also coming from less affluent areas of Queens and Brooklyn, indicating that it is not solely the wealthy investing in enhanced security. His approach emphasizes fortifying entry points such as doors and windows to deter potential intruders.
The reason behind the ‘fortification’
Several factors contribute to this trend. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased demand for home security enhancements, and this surge has not abated. Humble, who specializes in high-end secret doors disguised as bookshelves, fireplaces, mirrors, and blank walls, observed that the pandemic underscored the potential for societal breakdown, heightening security concerns.
In 2023, New York City recorded 28,000 assaults, the highest number on record, exacerbating residents’ feelings of insecurity. Moreover, growing instability across American society has fueled these fears.
Bill Rigdon, CEO of Building Consensus Inc., told Fox News that the rise in business is linked to increasing anxieties about civil unrest and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US presidential election. Rigdon explained that the most frequent inquiry from clients is, “How can I protect myself with the upcoming election and the civil unrest that I’m watching on the news every day?” He continued, “People are scared to death.”
New York City – biggest market in the United States
In the United States, New York City remains the largest market for these security measures. Contractors offer a range of security solutions, from high-end custom projects costing tens of thousands of dollars to more affordable options starting around $1,000. These include hidden rooms, bulletproof doors, and reinforced bedrooms, catering to various budgets and security needs.
While some contractors have serviced celebrities and public figures, the majority of their clientele comprises ordinary New Yorkers, making the city one of the most significant markets in the country. Customers’ concerns about increasing societal division have intensified as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Security experts and panic room builders stress the importance of preparedness, advocating for proactive measures to ensure safety. They cite the perceived rise in violent crime, despite national statistics indicating a significant decline since 1993.
Rigdon’s clientele typically includes homeowners with properties valued at a minimum of $10 million. His panic rooms, averaging between $100,000 and $200,000, are equipped with comprehensive defensive measures and life support systems, including food, water, plumbing, medical equipment, power sources, and communication systems. Some rooms are even designed to withstand nuclear attacks.
This trend of investing in panic rooms and fortified security measures is not limited to New York City. Americans across different income levels are increasingly engaging in “doomsday prepping,” reflecting a broader societal shift towards prioritizing personal safety and security in uncertain times.