New & Noteworthy

MEET ALEX, THE DOOR TO DOOR ALARM SCAM GUY


Hi, I'm Alex. I'm your friendly neighborhood (well not really) summer student that works for a door to door home security company. During the school year I work pretty hard studying Business and from May to September I work hard knocking on a lot of doors - and by a lot I mean I've been to thousands of homes with my crew. I work with a crew of 20 or more reps, so it's a lot of fun!

The door to door home security company that I work for provided me with training. I'm proud to say that I have one whole week of product training. We spent most of the time on high pressure sales training and how to overcome objections. I'm pretty confident that no matter how many times you say "no thanks" or demand that I leave - I've always got a comeback. Take a look at some of my door to door sales training classes:

HOW TO NAME DROP AND MAKE IT SOUND LIKE THE NEIGHBORS REFERRED YOU (WHEN THEY DIDN'T)

HOW TO MAKE IT SOUND LIKE OUR "FREE" SECURITY SYSTEM IS WORTH $2,000

HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO SIGN 5 YEAR CONTRACTS AT $50 TO $80 A MONTH

HOW TO CREATE URGENCY BY HAVING NO LOCAL OFFICE "WE'RE ONLY HERE TODAY"

HOW TO OVERCOME BUYERS REMORSE WITH A QUICK, SAME DAY INSTALLATION

HOW TO TRICK THE MOST VULNERABLE - SENIOR CITIZENS

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY SAY "NO"

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY SAY "NO" REPEATEDLY AND ASK YOU TO LEAVE

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY SWEAR AT YOU AND THREATEN TO CALL THE POLICE

WHEN GOING BACK 3 TIMES ISN'T ENOUGH

HOW TO USE DECEPTION - WHITE LIES ARE JUST BENDING THE RULES



Pretty awesome stuff right? I'm going to make a ton of dough this summer! I don't get a base salary, but I do make $400 to $500 every time I get you to sign up. So, I have a lot of motivation to keep bugging and pressuring you. We don't have a local office and the door to door home security company rents us a house or pays for our hotels, so I don't have a lot of living expenses. Sweet!

Sometimes I pretend that I work for your current security company and I offer you a free upgrade. "I'm Alex with (Your Existing Security Company". People can be so gullible when they think they're getting something for free. I'm actually going to trick you into signing up with my door to door alarm company and you will be left paying two bills. Doesn't matter to me though - I'm only working with my door to door security company for the summer and you will never see me again.

My all time favorite approach is to make it sound like you are doing me a favor. "I'm Alex with (Door to Door Alarm Company). We're in town for a few days and we're doing a blitz and I would like your help. If you're willing to put a warning sign in a visible location it will create more awareness and help us generate more business. In exchange I can give you a free state-of-the-art security system worth $2000. All you have to do is take care of the small monthly fee of $49.95 a month." People love to help and they love free. I can't believe how many people get sucked in.

Sometimes I offer a two week free trial. This is legit, but most people don't know there is a CONSUMER PROTECTION law that allows any consumer signing a contract the right to cancel within 10 or 14 days. It's called a Buyers Right to Cancel and it's on every one of our contracts. The darn government forces us to do this! 

I often tell people it's a month to month subscription, but in reality it's a 4 or 5 year contract. You're on the hook for nearly $3000 every time you sign up. However, most people trust me instead of reading through the contract. And for the people that question the 5 year term? Easy, I just tell them they can cancel anytime (even though they can't). The collections team at my head office will deal with it. Who's going to cancel if they're about to be sent to a collection agency? I won't be here anyways so not my problem.

HOW TO MAKE ME GO AWAY   

About the only thing that works is to put up your hand and firmly say "NO". I'm going to try to prevent you from closing the door, but if you just keep saying "NO" eventually I will take you off my hit list. Sometimes you have to threaten to call the POLICE. How ironic is that - calling the POLICE on a home security company.

It's also frustrating to me when people share their stories on FaceBook and other social media sites. I spent a lot of time figuring out ways to deceive people and I don't like it when I'm exposed or people advertise what area I'm working in. One lady took out her phone and started recording me - no thanks.  

#meetalex #justsayno #alarmscam #doortodoorsales

*Alex isn't a real person. If you know an Alex please be kind to him.

For more information do yourself a favor and do a Google Search of "door to door alarm scam" and always get 3 quotes. Please share.

Author: Virgil Reed
Owner of Reed Security
20+ Years Security Experience
Family Man
Community Leader




AND THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN CANADA 2018 IS...

Let’s start with the good news. Over the past decade the crime rate in Canada has plummeted by 25 per cent. Since 1998, the earliest data available, crime has been cut by a third. In 2016 the crime rate across the country sat at 5,904 incidents per 100,000 people—that’s the second lowest rate recorded by Statistics Canada.

Now for the bad. The severity of the crimes committed in Canada is on the rise. Although the crime severity index, the measure of all police-reported crime that takes into consideration both the volume and the seriousness of the crime, touched a low of 66 in 2013, it has been creeping higher ever since.

AND THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN CANADA 2018 IS...

According to Maclean's.ca North Battleford, Saskatchewan with a CSI of 353 has the worst crime record among Canada’s cities and municipal police districts. 

The crime rate in this industrial and agricultural community is four times higher than the rest of the country. That alone isn’t alarming. Smaller communities tend to be more susceptible to inflated crime rates, with one or two incidents getting magnified when they are recast for a population of 100,000.







Data source/methodology: The report ranks communities according to the Crime Severity Index, which is a Statistics Canada measure of all police-reported crime collected through the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey that takes into consideration both the volume and the seriousness of the crime. The index uses 2006 as its benchmark. The 2016 data is the most current available and was released July 24, 2017. Maclean’s collects the annual crime data for police services categorized as municipal by StatsCan and having populations of at least 10,000 people. Some police forces may cover larger areas then their name suggests, and populations for each police force were provided on request by StatsCan.  Locations without a crime severity index were not included. Nor were communities with no provided population numbers included. For the crimes of assault and sexual assaults, assault level 1 and sexual assault level 1 were used.

If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700





WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOES NOT STAY IN VEGAS 2018

Every year 30,000+ Security Geeks (oops...Gurus) attend the biggest security expo in North America. Check out this year's security innovations.




We connected with suppliers to negotiate the best pricing and brought the latest crime fighting technology back for our Clients and Dealers. Would you rather deal with the Dinosaurs that never change or the People that believe in Innovation?


The next generation DSC iotega is Secure, Simple and Scalable. The iotega is not designed to be mounted to a wall like a traditional security system. Instead this unit can sit on a counter or entertainment system rack or cabinet. It's designed to be keypad free and controlled with the ALARM.COM smartphone app (July 2018). You can arm/disarm from the built in keypad or add a wire free keypad.


We've been selling the award winning Qolsys IQ Panel 2 for the past 6 months and our clients love them! Comes with a beautiful 7" HD touchscreen, built in ALARM.COM radio and training videos. You won't find another security and automation system with more features.

COMING SOON. The IQ Panel 2 will have three different versions - all with Power G wireless that has an incredible range of 1.6 km. Choose from Power G + ITI 319.5, Power G + Honeywell/2GIG 345 or Power G + DSC 433. It's never been easier to upgrade to an IQ Panel 2 no matter what security system you currently have - we can use your existing wireless sensors.


Over 5 million people trust ALARM.COM installation partners such as Reed Security to protect their homes and businesses. From one single smartphone app you can control your smart security system, smart lights, smart locks, smart garage doors, smart thermostat, HD cameras, wi-fi doorbell camera and more...


Lower cost and easier to use access control is here. After a year of testing with installation partners ALARM.COM is making a big push into commercial access control. No expensive PC/Server costs or up front software costs. Instead clients will subscribe to a monthly plan and use the ALARM.COM Windows and iOS smartphone apps to add/delete users, create locking schedules and review user history. It's easy to integrate with alarm systems and ALARM.COM cameras. This is a game changer!


COMING SOON TO CANADA. Self monitoring of People and Vehicle Detection analytics. Video is stored locally and to the Avigilon Blue Cloud. Receive instant video alerts to your smartphone when you have an unwanted intruder. A monthly subscription is required.


Avigilon Unusual Motion Detection (UMD) technology is an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology that brings a new level of automation to surveillance, by revealing events that may have otherwise been missed.


Without any predefined rules or setup, Avigilon Unusual Motion Detection technology is able to continuously learn what typical activity in a scene looks like, and then detect and flag unusual motion.


Hikvision’s DeepInMind Series NVR is the first embedded NVR based on a deep learning algorithm executed by its GPU, making it faster and more accurate than conventional CPUs. This NVR effectively filters out alarms triggered by animals and inanimate objects, with greater than 90% accuracy.


Hikvision is the largest video surveillance company in the world and has over 25,000 employees. We toured their 2 million square foot factory in China last year and met with Jeffrey He - the President of Hikvision North America at the show. (He's a pretty big deal in the security world.)

To see all the 2018 Security Innovations please visit our FaceBook Page.


HOW TO PROTECT A CANNABIS RETAIL STORE




In April 2017, the federal government introduced legislation to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis in Canada. If passed, the proposed federal Cannabis Act would create rules for producing, possessing and selling cannabis across Canada.


The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) will issue approximately 60 cannabis retail permits to private operators in as many as 40 Saskatchewan municipalities and First Nation communities.


Both wholesaling and retailing of cannabis will be conducted by the private sector and regulated by SLGA. Cannabis retailers will be required to establish a standalone storefront operation, with the option to also operate an online store.  Stores will be limited to selling cannabis, cannabis accessories and ancillary items.  Stores must also have the ability to track and report cannabis inventory to help ensure consumers only have access to safe, legal product from regulated wholesalers.

If you would like to open a licensed Cannabis Retail Store in Saskatchewan you will require the following security requirements:


SLGA CANNABIS RETAIL STORE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS


12.!Appendix C - Security Requirements

 

A Cannabis Retail Store Permit will not be issued to an applicant who has not met the physical security requirements for the premises. Any separate storage facility must meet the same requirements.




1)          Alarm System


A cannabis retail store must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system that contains at a minimum:

a)           detectors to indicate unauthorized attempts to tamper with, open, enter or penetrate perimeter entry points, perimeter windows and secure cannabis storage room;

b)           detectors to indicate unauthorized movement within the premises including the secure cannabis storage room;

c)            capability to detect any attempts to tamper with the system or malfunctions with the system which must be immediately repaired by a professional technician;

d)           panic/robbery button(s) installed at all point of sale positions; and

e)           a plan identifying system compliance must be submitted to SLGA for approval along with any changes to an approved plan or system.

 



2)          Digital Camera Security System


A cannabis retail store must have a digital camera security system that contains, at a minimum:

a)           cameras that are enclosed in the ceiling or domes and linked to a monitor and recording system located in a secure area within the premises;

b)           cameras and lighting must be positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the premises, including staff areas, and all individuals within the premises including the:

i.             point of sale area(s);

ii.            receiving area(s);

iii.           customer area(s); and

iv.           the secure cannabis storage room.

c)            system must have on premises 60 calendar day minimum recording retention in a common format that is easily accessible, captured, viewed and capable of producing real time digital colour video and still images that clearly identify individuals and contain a time/date stamp not obscuring the image;

d)           recording and viewing system must be located in a secure location within the premises along with a maintained surveillance plan showing camera numbers, locations, coverage, authorized users list and operating instructions.

e)           if the permittee has knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of any pending criminal or regulatory investigation, recorded data and relevant information must not be destroyed after the 60 calendar day minimum recording retention period and must be provided to SLGA and police upon request.

f)            a plan identifying system compliance must be submitted to SLGA for approval along with any changes to an approved plan or system.

g)            the system must be tested weekly to ensure all cameras and recording equipment are functioning properly and a log of the test results must be kept and available to SLGA upon request.

h)           all malfunctions must be immediately repaired.

 

3)          Perimeter Security


A cannabis retail store must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by, at a minimum:

a)           the use of 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal doors with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame and tamper-proof hinges at all entry points other than the customer entrance.

b)           commercial grade non-residential locks on all access points with secured tamper-proof strike plate and locking device must penetrate the door frame at minimum 1.25cm. 

c)            a customer entrance constructed of commercial grade material sufficient to secure against unauthorized access.

d)           an overhead receiving door constructed of commercial grade material and locking device (if required).

e)           sufficient to secure against unauthorized access.

f)            perimeter locking devices not on a master key system.

 

4)          Cannabis Displays, at a minimum, must ensure:

a)           All cannabis displayed in a customer area must be within a showcase that is accessible only by authorized staff.

b)           All cannabis on display must be in its original sealed package or an approved container.

c)            All cannabis not displayed in a customer area, and after operating hours all cannabis, must be stored in a locked secure cannabis storage area accessible only by authorized staff.

 

5)          Cannabis Storage


The cannabis retail store must secure the cannabis in either:

a)           a safe where the safe is a solid metal receptacle capable of lo cking and that weighs either 341 kilograms or that is anchored to the permanent structure of the building. For any items requiring refrigeration, a locking refrigeration unit that weighs 341 kilograms or more orthat isanchored to the permanent structure of the building is considered a safe.

b)           A storage room that meets the following, at a minimum:

i.             constructed of Flattened Metal Mesh, EMMA 557-99 style ¾-9F,nominal strand thickness of 0.120" (0.108" to 0.132"} diamond opening of 0.563" x 1.688" or Sheet steel 16ga, Al008/A1008M (cold rolled) or A1011/A1011M (hot rolled) or equivalent.

ii.            mount steel or steel mesh on the outside (attack side) of the room, including the ceiling, in the following manner:

•             support all edges by anti-spread bracing, studs or corners;

•             align sheet edges at every vertical and horizontal seam on centre-line of steel stud or anti-spread bracing; and

•             secure all sheets with screws, welds or rivets.

iii.           16gauge (1.6mm) steel sheets, HR Commercial quality, ASTM A366, matte finish, shall extend 1200mm around doorframe on inside of room and attached to the doorframe with screws, welds or rivets.

iv.           minimum 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal door not exceeding 36 inches width with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame.

v.            commercial grade door lock with locking device that penetrates doorframe at least 1.25cm and tamper­ proof hinges.

vi.           16mm gypsum wallboards on both sides of the wall (interior optional) attached with drywall screws.



Although not part of the SLGA security requirements we highly recommend installing FlashFog as an added security measure. Burglars Can't Steal What They Can't See.


We have Smart Bundles specifically designed to meet SLGA Security specifications. If you would like more information please Contact Us for a 
FREE QUOTE.

SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700


SMART HOME SECURITY COSTS LESS THAN YOU THINK

How much do you think it costs to install a smart home security system? Many homeowners believe installing a modern residential security system is costly, but holding off could cost a lot more in the long run.

We’ve been to many homes that have experienced a break-in or damages relating to fire, flooding and furnace breakdowns. We see People going through anxiety, spending a lot of money on insurance deductibles and endless hours replacing their valuables. Is it worth it to go through the anxiety, stress and feeling vulnerable? What is your time worth to file an insurance claim and provide documentation of all the valuables that need to be replaced? What are your keepsakes worth that can’t be replaced? Most home owners install a security system after the fact so they don’t have to go through the pain again.

These days, you can easily find affordable security solutions for your home without “burning” a hole in your budget.

Here are the TOP 4 REASONS TO INSTALL A SMART HOME SECURITY SYSTEM:



1. PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY FROM INTRUDERS

The first reason to consider installing a smart home security system is that it provides protection for the things that matter most - your home, your belongings, and your family. Installing a home alarm system deters burglars from breaking and entering. Intruders often avoid the homes with security warning signage and appear to be protected. You are 400% less likely to experience a break-in when you have a monitored home security system. The insurance companies agree and provide discounts of 10% to 25% (because their risk of a payout is reduced). A professionally installed security system with door sensors, window sensors, motion sensors, glass-break sensors, siren and 24/7 Monitoring service with POLICE dispatch will limit the intruders time on site - which also reduces your losses.



2. PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY FROM FIRE

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) there are about 24,000 house fires each year in Canada, resulting in an average of 377 deaths and 3,048 injuries per year. The #1 ignition source in all preventable house fires is cooking equipment that ignites clothing, oil or flammable liquids. In fatal, preventable house fires, the #1 ignition source is smoking materials, such as cigarettes. Fires are most likely to start in the kitchen, bedrooms and living room. In fatal, preventable house fires, more than 1/3 of the homes didn’t have a working smoke detector.

A modern home security system can protect you from smoke and fires. Monitored Smoke and Heat sensors alert occupants of the presence of smoke, identify the source of the heat and also contact our 24/7 Monitoring Stations with FIRE Department dispatch. Smoke and heat sensors should be installed in hallways and near bedrooms. Some insurance companies provide additional discounts when you have monitored fire protection.



3. AVOID COSTLY REPAIRS AND INSURANCE CLAIMS FROM FLOODING AND HEATING ISSUES

According to Environment Canada, floods are the costliest natural disaster in Canada in terms of property damage. They are also the most common Canadian natural disaster, with about 40 per cent of floods occurring in April and May.

A monitored flood sensor wouldn’t help if there was a natural disaster, but it could instantly alert you

  • if you had flooding from snow melting
  • if you had flood from broken sprinklers
  • if you had a sewage backup problem
  • if a water pipe burst
  • if you had a flooding problem with your dishwasher or washing machine
You could potentially save thousands of dollars by dealing with the problem sooner and avoiding an insurance claim.

Did you ever come home to a freezing home during an ice-cold winter? You couldn’t feel or hear the sound of forced air? OH NO - the Furnace is out! The biggest risk when your furnace cuts out is freezing water lines. Get ready to spend $500 to $4000 on Plumbing and HVAC repairs. By installing a monitored temperature sensor you would receive an instant alert from ALARM.COM and our 24/7 Monitoring Stations. You or another key-holder can deal with the problem before it gets really expensive.      

Going on vacation? Many home-owners insurance policies have requirements that your home must be checked regularly (every 1-4 days) by someone for the policy to remain in force. Alternatively you could install a modern smart home security system with 24/7 Monitoring.

Some insurance companies provide additional discounts when you have monitored flood or low temperature protection.  



4. STAY CONNECTED

More than a smart app or a cool thermostat, ALARM.COM seamlessly connects the key devices in your home on one platform - so they work together and work smarter. Each system is easily customized to your home’s unique configuration and your needs.

Connect your security, lights, locks, thermostats, video and more — for seamless automation and control.

SECURITY CONTROL - With a variety of panels to choose from, you can take advantage of features such as two-way voice for emergency response, and severe weather alerts that notify you if dangerous conditions are detected nearby. ALARM.COM’S Crash & Smash technology ensures that your system will still work even if the panel is smashed.

LIGHT CONTROL - Manage lights with automatic schedules, and set rules to have lights automatically turn on in an alarm event for added visibility and safety.

LOCK CONTROL - Eliminate the need for keys with smart locks. Give each user their own lock code, remotely lock or unlock the door through your app, and get a notification whenever a user unlocks the door.

THERMOSTAT CONTROL - You can keep the family room comfortable on the weekend, make sure the nursery is exactly the right temperature at nap time, and have the whole house drop to a savings setting when nobody is there. The Smart Thermostat uses all the security sensors around the home so it can automatically respond to different conditions and activities.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE - Keep an eye on what matters to you. Peek-in to watch live streaming video anytime, get video alerts if a specific activity occurs, and watch recorded clips – all from your app.

INSTANT ALERTS - What time did my teenager get home? Did I forget to close the garage door when I left today? Unlike traditional systems that only alert you in an alarm event, ALARM.COM lets you know what’s happening at your property at any time. It’s easy to set your own alerts and reminders to be notified of any activity you care about, whether your system is armed or not.



SMART HOME PLANS & PRICING

So, what will all this security and automation cost? You can purchase sensors and have them professionally installed a-la-carte. Security sensor and automation device prices range from $50/ea to $300/ea. (includes installation). A professionally installed modern smart security package will cost between $599 and $1999+ (based on a 1500 square foot home). 24/7 Monitoring fees will range from $19.95 to $39.95 a month.

Many of our clients prefer our very popular $0 DOWN PLANS and often use them to upgrade older systems. Instead of paying up front equipment and installation fees we created affordable plans that range from $49.95/mo. to $79.95/mo. O.A.C. when you sign up to a 48 month subscription. All SMARTHOME plans come with equipment, professional installation, 24/7 Monitoring with Fire and Police dispatch, ALARM.COM app and on site warranty.

If you would like to know more about any Reed Security products, services or plans please Contact Us today for more information.

We are happy to provide you with a FREE HOME OR BUSINESS SECURITY EVALUATION. 






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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

GREATER TORONTO AREA SECURITY
Link Secure Canada Inc.
15 Victoria Crescent
Brampton, ON L6T 1E2
Ph: 647.262.7460

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233