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Brody Langager

Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Published Jan 9, 2025

Concerns about break-ins at homes and businesses are circulating online as Saskatchewan’s cold winter weather coincides with a homelessness crisis.

The province’s two largest cities don’t have the capacity to house everyone who lacks permanent shelter. Saskatoon recently reported a count of almost 1,500 people experiencing homelessness, while Regina reported at least 824.

Crime maps published by the Saskatoon Police Service and the Regina Police Service show break and enters to residential and non-residential properties in every neighbourhood.

Virgil Reed, owner and CEO of Reed Security, said cold weather increases the number of break-ins at multi-unit homes, businesses and unoccupied buildings.

“Often, it’s homeless people looking for a place to stay warm and a place to sleep,” Reed said.

Unlocked vestibules are the preferred location during late night and early morning hours, he noted.

Another method of entry is “tailgating” — an intruder following an unsuspecting tenant into a property through a main entrance or parking garage.

Reed said the company has seen an increase in demand for keyless entry systems and video surveillance with artificial intelligence.

“Access control systems restrict access to the property and require a credential such as a keytag or a smartphone to unlock a door. This limits the opportunity for unwanted visitors.”

Security cameras with AI can recognize trespassers, identify what a person is wearing and ask intruders to leave directly from the camera.

Reed said reducing property crime comes down to common sense and creating awareness.

“Always make sure your doors are locked — including vehicles. Ensure adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells and entry points. Evaluate the security measures at your property annually and proactively implement the latest crime reduction technology.”

Based on statistical data, Saskatoon Police said break-ins don’t necessarily trend with the weather, noting the peak of break and enter crimes reported in 2024 was in August, while the highest number reported in 2023 was in May.

However, the force noted that break-ins to common areas of apartment buildings could be recorded as suspicious persons reports — which are common and can represent a variety of incidents.

In the case of a break-in to a parking garage, vehicles can often be the target, and sometimes only one of those incidents gets reported to police.

If someone got into a private building only to escape the cold outside, there likely wouldn’t be an associated charge unless there was a criminal offence, Saskatoon police noted in a statement.

“If the person is open to it, we can and would refer them to other supports. We recognize the uneasiness that might come from seeing someone unfamiliar in an apartment building, and we would encourage people to report suspicious persons if they have concerns.”

Happy New Year!

2025 is a BIG year for us - Reed Security is celebrating 25 years of keeping you safe.

When I started this company in 2000 my goal was simple: provide effective security solutions with expert local service. A quarter century later, we’ve grown a lot, but our commitment to you has never changed.

Security has come a long way since the early days.

Basic alarms have become smart home and business security systems with intuative touch screens. Control your alarm, cameras, lights, locks and temperature with one single app.

Black and white video surveillance systems have become smart camera systems with Artificial Intelligence. Security cameras can identify people and take action.

Local keyless entry systems have become smart access control systems that can be controlled from anywhere. Remotely buzz people in or unlock doors at your building with a smartphone.

We’ve worked hard to stay ahead of the curve. What hasn’t changed is our focus on building relationships. You’re not just clients; you’re part of the Reed family.

Thank you for trusting Reed for 25 years! 

Virgil Reed
Owner, CEO
Reed Security

Thank You for entering our draw and the 300+ testimonials praising Reed Security and our people! 

Due to the Canada Post strike we cannot mail passes this year.

Instead, please stop by our Saskatoon office during regular business hours to pick up your pass.

Note: Passes that are not picked up by December 24th will be given away.

Reed Security

14-1724 Quebec Avenue

Saskatoon, SK  S7K 1V9

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

December 24th - closed at noon

December 25th - closed

December 26th - open at noon

December 31st - closed at 2pm

And the 2024 winners are...

Paul Bernstrom, Saskatoon

Rhonda Ciona, Saskatoon

Kaitlin Thiessen, Saskatoon

Gurpreet Singh, Saskatoon

Chris Beres, Prince Albert

Ron & Sylvia Meakin, Langham

Ahmed Marei, Saskatoon

Fred Kwan, Saskatoon

Neil Miller, Langham

Metric Design, Saskatoon

Gerard Visentini, Saskatoon

Diana MacLean, Saskatoon

Tammi and Kevin Kalin, Saskatoon

Aly Hastings, Prince Albert

Erin Tessmer, Saskatoon

Lilian Fehr, Saskatoon

Stan Neigum, Saskatoon

Barbara Tawpisin, Saskatoon

Myrna Wagner, Saskatoon

Nathan Pound, Saskatoon

Kaylee Williams, Saskatoon

Ernie Fast, Saskatoon

Loretta Lipus, Saskatoon

Amanda Borowetz, Saskatoon

Josh Butcher, Saskatoon

Sarah Le, Saskatoon

Shelly Delorme, Saskatoon

Tyler Strand, Saskatoon

Matthew Pratchler, Dalmeny

Cathie & Don Drinkwater, Saskatoon

Christine Rodych, Saskatoon

Kimberly Wolverine, Saskatoon

Deborah Lewko, Saskatoon

Jackielyn, Saskatoon

Alyssa Bergren, Asquith

Laurie Schwsn, Saskatoon

Darryl Dressler, Saskatoon

Kristin Berg, Saskatoon

Dominique Pete, Saskatoon

Ihor Kosik, Saskatoon

Ruth Gilmour-Hildebrandt, Saskatoon

Randy Belosowsky, Saskatoon

Kali Frank, Saskatoon

Tyson Kurtenbach, Saskatoon

Jessica Pearson, Martensville

Stephen and Denyse Klette, RM Of Dundurn

Tamara Maurice, Saskatoon

Brian Neurauter, Christopher Lake

Maria Sandrino, Saskatoon

Deidre Eruero, Saskatoon

Ehsan Ahmed, Saskatoon

Terri Parent, Saskatoon

Jan Wilkinson, Saskatoon

Jessie Thompson, Bulyea

Beatrice Scutt, Saskatoon

Dixie Chisholm, Martensville

Brian Wallace, Saskatoon

Kara Firman, Saskatoon

Samantha Huser, Saskatoon

Troy Kerluke, Saskatoon

Duane Krip, Saskatoon

Linda Alberts, Prince Albert

Rhonda Meakin, Candle Lake

Brandy Allan, Davidson

Scott Kelly, Saskatoon

Charlotte Garrett, Saskatoon

Randal Nelson, Saskatoon

Ron Thomsen, Saskatoon

Britney Hammer, Saskatoon

Evelyn Kasahoff, Langham

Cecilia Mryglod, Saskatoon

Ivan Peever, Saskatoon

Donna Harris, Saskatoon

Mandar Kavishwar, Saskatoon

Sid Kulrich, Wakaw

Marie Kemmer, Saskatoon

Jennifer Draper, Saskatoon

Claire Mascho, Prince Albert

Rebecca Uzelman, Saskatoon

Cindy Loose (Bornhorst Seeds Ltd), St. Gregor

Arnie and Brenda Berg, Saskatoon

Isha Agrawal, Saskatoon

Crystal and Adam McMartin, Saskatoon

Ray Goodwin, Saskatoon

Steven Bellanger, Warman

Keith Forrest, Saskatoon

Monique Arcand, Saskatoon

Hilda & Gary Johnson, Saskatoon

Anand Elango, Saskatoon

Brian Wallace, Saskatoon

Lindsay Ullathorne, Martensville

Sheldon Trabish, Saskatoon

Gerry Christie, Saskatoon

Brenda Yuzdepski, Saskatoon

George & Nazareen Mesho, Aberdeen

Ivan & Della Peever, Saskatoon

Jeffrey & Julia Dickson, Saskatoon

Gord & Debbie Waldner, Saskatoon

Richard and Wendy Gryschuk, Saskatoon

Paul Penner, Melfort

It's been an exciting few weeks since we launched the BHP Enchanted Forest Car Pass Giveaway. 

To show our appreciation for your trust in Reed Security, we offered 100 enchanted car passes. 

Thank You for the 300+ testimonials we received this year! 

All car passes were mailed out on December 1st, 2023.

And the winners are...

Patrick Powalinsky, Warman

Brittany Cooke, Saskatoon

Tommy Jobb, Prince Albert 

Sharmila Ahuja, Saskatoon 

Hilary Colborne, Saskatoon

Prerna, Saskatoon 

Chris Regier, Saskatoon 

Cam Lipinski, Saskatoon

Mark Naylor, Saskatoon

Ryan Fung, Saskatoon

Aurelie Poelzer, Saskatoon 

Sheldon Hein, Saskatoon 

Tammi Kalin, Saskatoon

James Azevedo, Shellbrook

James Zwack, Saskatoon

Lyn Ronald, Saskatoon

Ken Fisher, Emma Lake 

Rhonda Meakin, Prince Albert

Glenda Peters, Prince Albert

Jessica Pearson, Martensville

Mike & Colleen Sellar, Saskatoon

Kent England, Saskatoon

Stacey Maga, Saskatoon

Lesia Brockman, Saskatoon

Alex Campbell, Prince Albert 

Scot Johnson, Saskatoon

Desiree Hubbs, Saskatoon 

Ron & Sylvia Meakin, Langham

Maria Bartolome, Saskatoon 

Tracy Kozak, Saskatoon

Ryan Bill, Saskatoon

Natasha Evoy, Saskatoon 

Marlene Millsap, Wakaw

Ivan Peever, Saskatoon

Stacey Slater, Prince Albert

Hasin Ahmed, Saskatoon

Jenny Bone, Smeaton

Charlene Fineday, Saskatoon 

Corrie Hession-Davidson, Saskatoon

Jackie Given, Prince Albert

Erin Jabusch (Maliteare), Saskatoon 

Steaphen Schmidt, Mildred 

Melissa Grayson, Prince Albert 

Raymond Daschner, Saskatoon 

Kali Frank, Saskatoon

Danielle Wiser, Prince Albert

Debbie Buchan - Taiso Gymnastics Club, Saskatoon

Bonnie Hradec-Neuert, Saskatoon 

Emily Coupal, Saskatoon

Matthew Toon, Prince Albert

Darcy Folk, Saskatoon

John Stauffer, Christopher Lake

Karen Phillips, Saskatoon

Kelvin Lindskog, Prince Albert 

Ann Murphy, Saskatoon

Shelly Delorme, Saskatoon

Nathan Grimard, Saskatoon

Chenoa Wilson, Saskatoon 

Sarabjeet Singh, Saskatoon 

Trent Perehudoff, Saskatoon

Budi Ghani, Saskatoon

Barb Wohlford, Saskatoon 

Harry Van Leusden, Saskatoon 

Dhawn Scherr, Saskatoon

Mark Magnus, Saskatoon

Dolores Kraft, Saskatoon

Susan Thompson, Saskatoon 

Corinne Korchinski-Fisher, Saskatoon

Patty & Kerry Fuchs, Saskatoon 

Troy Kerluke, Saskatoon 

Craig Skaros, Saskatoon

Rick Kindrachuk, Wakaw

Bernice & Jim Tratch, Saskatoon 

Barb Reid, Prince Albert

Joanne Stack, Saskatoon

Syed Yusuf, Saskatoon 

Christian Gleisberg, Warman

Julianna Radcliffe, Saskatoon

Lindsey Gerwing, Saskatoon

Deb Wiegers, Saskatoon

Sheila Reddekopp, Saskatoon

Bonnie Marcoux, Saskatoon

Rob Greer, Saskatoon

Kelly Wist, Saskatoon 

Ashley Cates, Martensville 

Kaitlyn Jackson, Saskatoon

Chelsa Wolfe, Prince Albert

Baharudin Setiawan, Saskatoon

Patience Woodman, Saskatoon 

Renae Frenchman, Saskatoon 

Leslie Norton, Saskatoon 

Sajna S, Saskatoon 

Subbiah Shanmugam, Saskatoon

Danielle Wiser, Prince Albert

Raeanne Detillieux, Prince Albert 

Geoff Cole, Saskatoon

Rowena Dimaguila, Saskatoon 

Ray Goodwin, Saskatoon

Laurie Schwan, Saskatoon

David and Laura Raffey, Saskatoon

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays!

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Team @ Reed Security

In a remarkable feat of dedication and skill, the Reed Security customer support team has achieved a commendable milestone: 100% positive customer reviews for the entire month of October 2023.

This is a HUGE accomplishment considering Reed Security protects thousands of businesses and homes across three provinces!  

Congratulations Nolan, Devin, Mike, Lesli and Garrett on providing excellent customer service! You consistently go above and beyond to ensure every client interaction is positive, productive, and problem-solving.

Here's what Reed Security client's are saying:

"Service is always awesome with Devin, keep up the great work!" - Melissa S.

"Technician Mike was very good. Very professional." -Art G.

"Super support and help with different options to solve the problem." -Ron C.

"Lesli provided quick and efficient service. Thanks again!" -Shawn

"Great job on communication and finding out what caused the problem." -Sara

"Garrett was efficient, fast, helpful!" - Rae P.

"Thank you for your help and support." - Linda K.

"Very knowledgeable and friendly. Was a pleasure having you come out." Ron B.

As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Reed Security’s customer support team. Their dedication sets a high bar not only within the company, but for customer service standards industry-wide.