New & Noteworthy

CANADA'S MOST DANGEROUS (AND SAFEST) PLACES


Source: Statistics Canada

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) measures changes in the level of severity of crime in Canada from year to year that have been reported to the Police. In the index, all crimes are assigned a weight based on their seriousness. The level of seriousness is based on actual sentences handed down by the courts in all provinces and territories.

CANADA'S MOST DANGEROUS (AND SAFEST) MAJOR CITIES AND THEIR CSI SCORES

  1. Lethbridge, 128.7
  2. Kelowna, 122.3
  3. Winnipeg, 113.6
  4. Moncton, 113.4
  5. Regina, 110.9
  6. Saskatoon, 106
  7. Thunder Bay, 101.3
  8. Edmonton, 97.5
  9. Greater Sudbury, 84.4
  10. Vancouver, 81.6
  11. London, 80.1
  12. Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, 79.4
  13. Abbotsford–Mission, 78.2
  14. Brantford, 75.7
  15. Windsor, 74.8
  16. Kingston, 72.8
  17. Calgary, 72.3
  18. Victoria, 71.5
  19. Belleville, 69.3
  20. St. John's, 67.9
  21. Halifax, 65.7
  22. Peterborough, 64.8
  23. St. Catharines–Niagara, 62.1
  24. Guelph, 58.2
  25. Hamilton, 56.9
  26. Montréal, 55.9
  27. Saint John, 51.1
  28. Sherbrooke, 50.9
  29. Trois-Rivières, 50.6
  30. Saguenay, 50
  31. Gatineau, 49.6
  32. Ottawa, 49.3
  33. Barrie, 45.9
  34. Toronto, 45.5




A number of Saskatchewan cities didn't make the list due to their size, but have some of the highest CSI scores in Canada.

For Saskatchewan communities above 10,000 population, North Battleford’s CSI topped the province again. It went up to 480.72, an increase of 11.89%. Its violent crime severity score was 518.42, down 7.46%. Non-violent crime severity was 466.02, up from 381.68.

Prince Albert again recorded a high CSI score of 263.44 and a violent crime severity of 413.51.

For other Saskatchewan communities, Moose Jaw’s CSI score was 127.17, Yorkton was 147.59, Estevan 91.13, Weyburn 77.34 and Swift Current 50.23



HOW DID THE PANDEMIC IMPACT CRIME?

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact Canada's economy, health care system and society in general throughout 2021, changing how people interact, socialize, learn, work and consume. Overall, while police-reported crime in Canada, as measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI), was virtually unchanged in the second year of the pandemic, there were notable shifts in the nature of reported crimes.

The Violent CSI rose 5% in 2021, reaching a level higher than that before the beginning of the pandemic. The increase in violent crime compared with 2020 was attributable in part to higher rates of level 1 sexual assault, harassing and threatening behaviours, and homicide, among others.

Additionally, the number of hate-motivated crimes reported by police increased by 27% to 3,360 incidents. Higher numbers of hate crimes targeting religion, sexual orientation and race or ethnicity accounted for the majority of the increase.

In contrast, the Non-Violent CSI—which includes, for example, property offences and drug offences—continued to decline (-3%), after a 9% drop in 2020. These two consecutive decreases follow five years of increases. Much of the decline in 2021 was because of lower rates of breaking and entering (-10%) and theft of $5,000 or under (-4%).

The overall CSI changed from 73.9 in 2020 to 73.7 in 2021. This follows a 7% drop in the CSI in 2020, the first decrease after five years of successive increases. The CSI measures the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada and has a base index value of 100 for 2006. The police-reported crime rate, which measures only the volume of crime, was 5,375 incidents per 100,000 population in 2021, up 1% from 2020.

Police-reported metrics include only those incidents that come to the attention of police, either through reporting by the public or proactive policing. As a complementary measure, results from the 2019 General Social Survey (GSS) on Canadians' Safety (Victimization) showed that just under one-third (29%) of violent and non-violent incidents were reported to police. Similarly, just over one-fifth (22%) of incidents perceived to be motivated by hate were reported to police. 

SUMMER SECURITY TIPS 2022


Break-in's increase during the summer. Use our checklist to keep the odds in your favour.


☐ 1. SHARE INFORMATION 

  • Create a WhatsApp group and let your neighbours know if there is unusual activity or crime on your block.
  • Join your local Neighbourhood Group on Facebook and learn about recent activities.
    eg: Stonebridge Neighbourhood Watch
  • Share video and images from your doorbell camera or security cameras.
  • Share information with the Police as it may help with an arrest.




☐ 2. 
DO NOT ADVERTISE YOU ARE AWAY

  • Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.
  • DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are travelling. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.





☐ 3. KEEP YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED

  • Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors and car doors. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
  • If you lose a key get the locks changed.
  • A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an Alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
  • Install monitored door and window sensors.
  • When your security system is "armed" an instant alert is sent to your smartphone and our 24/7 Monitoring Stations
  • Some properties may require security roll shutters to keep intruders out

 




☐ 4. GET PROPER LIGHTING 

  • Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night.
  • Install exterior motion lights that turn on when there is movement.
  • Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home. 
  • A better option is to install Alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and setup on an alternating schedules.





☐ 5. INSTALL A SMART SECURITY SYSTEM

  • $0 Smart Security packages range from $39.95/mo. to $79.95/mo. 
  • Protection against intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, flood, low temperature and more
  • No phone line required
  • Alarm.com smartphone and desktop apps
  • Includes 24/7 professional monitoring - our team is standing by
  • 400% less likely to have a break-in
  • Up to 20% of homeowners insurance - consult your insurance broker




☐ 6. 
INSTALL SMART CAMERAS

  • Check on your property from Anywhere
  • Get instant alerts when a person is at your property
  • All events are recorded and can be used as evidence
  • Secure your entire property in color 24/7 with our $0 ColorVu Camera Sale 


PERONALIZE THE PERFECT SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.

Drop us a line and get a FREE QUOTE or skip the form and call us today


SASKATOON SECURITY 

Reed Security Headquarters

306.653.3200

SuRe InnoVations

306.974.0888

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY

306.922.7200

REGINA SECURITY

306.206.0700

CALGARY SECURITY

587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY

844.384.7233


#greatlocalservice

#homesecurity

#businesssecurity

#reedsecurity

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!



A Real Mom:
Emotional, yet a rock.
Tired, but keeps going.
Worried, but full of hope.
Impatient, yet patient.
Overwhelmed, but never quits.
Amazing, even though doubted.
Wonderful, even in chaos.
Life Changer, every single day.
-Rachel Martin



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Whether you’re on the go, at work, or on the couch, you’ll always know when someone’s at your door - even when they don’t ring the bell.

Our doorbell’s exclusive touchless technology recognizes when a person stands in a dedicated safe space, like your doormat. Once a person is detected, the doorbell immediately triggers the existing chime in your home, sends you a mobile alert and starts recording a video clip.


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You can see who’s at the door instantly by opening your doorbell’s live video feed. Its HD vision, HDR and night vision technology ensure you’ll have a clear view while you talk to your visitor over two-way audio.

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NEED BETTER SECURITY? WE CAN HELP.

DROP US A LINE AND GET A
FREE QUOTE OR CALL 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233


#GreatLocalService

SMART SECURITY SOLUTIONS FROM ISCWEST

We recently travelled to the ISCWEST Security Expo in search of cutting-edge security technology for our clients. We connected with our partners and explored emerging trends with Access Control, Alarm, Monitoring, Video Surveillance, Drones & Robotics, IT & IoT Security and Smart Home Solutions.

Check out these smart security solutions:

 

Above: Asylon DroneDog

Asylon’s DroneCore platform is built to power your security operations and manage advanced sensors, robotics, data, and mission sets. Combining aerial and ground security robot dogs enable both short and long-term operational success. Automate or operate the world’s most advanced security robots to create the most efficient and data-driven security operations center of the future.



Above: Virgil Reed, Rob Harman

AJAX Systems is a tech company from Ukraine. Technologies include radio communication, encryption and digital algorithms. AJAX can be easily expanded with entry, fire and flood detectors, as well as relays for managing electrical appliances remotely. You can purchase and add additional devices to the system individually. Detectors can be connected with a few taps in the mobile app.



Avigilon video, cloud and access control solutions seamlessly integrate across your entire video security system to provide you with the right information at the right time — so you can take decisive action.

Powered by advanced AI and video analytics they keep their technology simple and easy to use, letting you focus on what matters most.



StoneLock® GO from StoneLock, Inc. is an extremely fast and accurate infrared biometric facial recognition device. It is designed for access control applications providing instant, easy, and reliable verification of users. Combine StoneLock GO with EntraPass security management software and you have a solution that satisfies even the most stringent security applications looking to thwart common bad practices such as weak PINs, code sharing, propping doors open, etc.



Alarm.com’s cloud-based access control combines intuitive user management with a seamless alarm and video integration. Whether you’re a small business with one door or a large multi-location operation with hundreds of doors, we’ve got you covered. Coming Soon: Alarm.com readers that allow you to unlock a door with your smartphone.



Alarm.com’s cloud-managed video surveillance combines cloud storage, 24/7 health monitoring, and intelligent analytics to ensure footage is available when you need it most and can be easily found and shared. They released their new commercial grade Pro Series cameras.



Lock your room within seconds to prevent an active threat from entering your room with the IQ LockDown, Z-Wave Plus. This smart lock installs on a commercial door (inward or outward) with a standard 2-inch frame and works via Z-Wave technology. This allows for seamless integration into comprehensive modern smart security systems via Z-Wave functionality; and it provides teachers, administrators, and other office personnel quick access control for locking down doors and other access points using a Z-Wave controller, Z-Wave compatible keyfob, Z-Wave keypad, or other Z-Wave peripherals. You can even use your smartphone to unlock the IQ Lockdown using your Z-Wave controller's mobile app.

  • Locks/unlocks commercial doors via Z-Wave within seconds
  • Installs on top of a commercial door (inward or outward) with a 2" frame
  • Can be manually unlocked using your hand
  • 10x stronger than conventional locks
  • Long-lasting internal rechargeable LiPo battery
  • Made with military-grade materials with government-level encryption


Actuate's goal is to keep people safe in any environment, without compromising privacy. They build threat detection systems using computer vision software and artificial intelligence, turning any security camera into a smart camera. They aim to accelerate security response time and improve safety outcomes during crisis scenarios while giving organizations the ability to protect against more daily concerns like theft, overcrowding, and loitering.

NEED BETTER SECURITY? WE CAN HELP! 

DROP US A LINE AND GET A FREE SECURITY EVALUATION OR CALL 306.653.3200



CANNABIS RETAIL STORE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS IN SASKATCHEWAN


Need Security for Your Cannabis Retail Store and don't know where to start?

Reed Security has extensive experience designing robust security solutions that meet strict SLGA requirements.

Drop us a line or call 306-653-3200 if you would like our help protecting your cannabis retail store.


The information within this article is current as of February 8, 2022.

Published by SLGA

Cannabis Regulatory Policy Manual

Appendix: Facility Security


SLGA has developed the following physical security requirements for cannabis wholesale, retail store, and retail off-site storage facilities located in Saskatchewan (referred to in this document as cannabis permitted premises). A detailed description of proposed security measures will be required as part of any permit application, and any changes to an approved plan or system must be authorized by SLGA in advance of implementation.

Subsection 1 describes requirements for cannabis wholesale, standalone retail, and off-site retail storage facilities. Physical security requirements for integrated retail stores, described separately in subsection 2, have been modified on the assumption that integrated stores in small communities will not typically have large amounts of cannabis on the premises at a given time. 

However, SLGA reserves the right to impose additional security requirements before or after permitting as deemed necessary depending on individual business models and operations.


1.    Wholesale, standalone retail, and off-site storage

a.    Alarm System

A cannabis permitted premises must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     detectors to indicate unauthorized attempts to tamper with, open, enter or penetrate perimeter entry points, perimeter windows and secure cannabis storage area;

ii.    detectors to indicate unauthorized movement within the premises including the secure cannabis storage area;

iii.   capability to detect any attempts to tamper with the system or malfunctions with the system;

iv.   smoke detectors in any areas where cannabis is stored; and

v.    panic/robbery button(s) installed at all point of sale positions (retail store only).

b.    Digital Camera Security System

i.     A cannabis permitted premises must have a digital camera security system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

ii.    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;

iii.   cameras and lighting that are positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the premises and all individuals within the premises including the:

•    point of sale area(s) (retail stores only);

•    customer area(s) (retail stores only);

•    areas where cannabis is displayed for sale (retail stores only);

•    receiving area(s);

•    offices and other staff area(s); and

•    any cannabis storage areas.

iv.   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 (meaning at least 30 frames per second) and still images that clearly identify individuals and contain a time/date stamp not obscuring the image;

v.    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;

vi.   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; and

vii.  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.

c.    Perimeter Security

i.     Standalone cannabis retail stores, off-site retail storage facilities, and cannabis wholesale warehouses must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by, at a minimum:

ii.    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;

iii.   commercial grade non‐residential locks on all access points with secured tamper‐proof strike plate and locking device that penetrates the doorframe at minimum 1.25cm;

iv.   an overhead receiving door (if required) constructed of commercial grade material and locking device sufficient to secure against unauthorized access;

v.    perimeter locking devices not on a master key system;

vi.   loading/unloading bay and entry door areas located outside the secure structure for cannabis storage, with any walls or interior access doors adjoining the secure structure meeting the requirements outlined in subsection d below; and

vii.  a customer entrance constructed of commercial grade material sufficient to secure against unauthorized access (retail stores only).

d.    Cannabis Storage

Any areas within a cannabis permitted premises where cannabis is stored, including any receiving or staging areas where cannabis is kept after operating hours, must be fully enclosed in a secure structure that meets the following minimum requirements (this secure structure may form the external walls of the building if preferred, excluding any loading/unloading bays and entry door areas). Cannabis edibles and samples are exempt from this requirement and may remain in the retail area after operating hours.

Subsection e below outlines an alternative option available to retail stores only. SLGA may also consider other alternatives on a case-by-case basis as long as they provide security at least equivalent to the requirements outlined below.

i.     walls, floors, and ceiling 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, A1008/A1008M (cold rolled) or A1011/A1011M (hot  rolled) or equivalent, OR 30 cm (12") high density cement blocks with cores filled with type "M" mortar and reinforced to meet structural codes, OR 20 cm (8") thick poured concrete (20.7 MPa (3000 lbs/in2) minimum), reinforced to meet structural codes;

ii.    if sheet steel or steel mesh is used, it is to be mounted on the outside (attack side) of the room, including the ceiling, in the following manner:

•    support all edges by anti‐spread bracing, studs orcorners;

•    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.   16 gauge (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. Where the dimensions of the secure structure do not allow for 1200mm clearance around the doorframe, the steel sheets may be bent to conform to the inside of the secure structure walls and/or ceiling);

iv.   minimum 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal door(s) not exceeding 91.44cm (36 inches) width with 1.9mm (14 gauge) metal frame;

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

vi.   locking device(s) not on a master key system; and

vii.  ventilation openings with one dimension 15cm (6 inches) or less and the total area of the opening not exceeding 619 cm2 (96 inches2).

e.    Alternative Cannabis Storage (retail stores only)

Instead of a storage room, a retail store may choose to secure cannabis in a burglar resistant safe or similar device (such as a locking refrigeration unit) that meets the following requirements:

i.     the safe is a burglary resistant safe (according to either standard ULC-S324 or standard UL-687 rated at TL-15 or higher.;

ii.    has a locking system that secures the door in multiple parts of the door structure as well on more than one axis; and

iii.   the safe weighs at least 341 kilograms or is anchored to the permanent structure of the building in such a manner that it cannot be removed without first opening the door to the safe.



2.    Integrated retail

a.    Alarm System

Integrated cannabis retail store permitted premises must be protected by a professionally installed and monitored alarm system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     motion sensors that indicate entry at common entry points (such as exterior windows and doors); and

ii.    panic/robbery button(s) installed at all cannabis point of sale positions.

b.    Digital Camera Security System

The cannabis permitted premises must have a digital camera security system with the following minimum features. All malfunctions must be immediately repaired by a professional technician.

i.     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;

ii.    cameras and lighting that are positioned to clearly capture 24 hour coverage of activity identifying all individuals entering/exiting the cannabis permitted premises and any secure storage areas, and all individuals within the cannabis retail area including the:

•     cannabis point of sale area(s);

•     any areas where cannabis is visibly displayed for sale; and

•     any areas where cannabis is stored.

iii.   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;

iv.   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.

v.    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; and

vi.   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.

c.    Perimeter Security

A cannabis permitted premises must secure perimeter entry points against unauthorized access by ensuring that all entry points are secured with commercial grade non-residential locks.

d.    Cannabis Storage

Cannabis products, excluding edibles and display samples, must be secured after operating hours using one of the methods described below. SLGA may also consider equivalent methods on a case by case basis.

i.     a commercial safe, gun locker, or similar device located within the cannabis permitted premises that meets the following minimum requirements:

•     is rated by the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) as a residential storage container (according to standard UL-1037) or a burglary resistant safe (according to either standard ULC-S324 or standard UL-687).

•     has a locking system that secures the door in multiple parts of the door structure as well as on more than one axis; and

•     weighs at least 341 kilograms or is anchored to the permanent structure of the building in such a manner that it cannot be removed without first opening the door to the safe.

ii.    a secure storage area within the same facility as the cannabis permitted premises that meets the following minimum requirements:

•     minors are prohibited access at all times;

•     is used to store only products owned by the cannabis retail store permittee and intended for sale in the cannabis permitted premises and any related online store;

•     is protected by an alarm system and digital camera security system as described in subsections a and b above;

•     is secured using 1.5mm (16 gauge) hollow metal doors with 1.9mm (14 gauge metal frame and tamper-proof hinges, plus commercial grade nonresidential locks, a secured tamper-proof strike plate and locking device that penetrates the doorframe at minimum 1.25cm; and

•     is secured with automatic locking doors on any entry points that open onto an unpermitted area or an area not monitored by staff at all times.

iii.   An off-site secure storage facility that is authorized as part of the cannabis retail store permit and meets the off-site storage security requirements outlined in subsection 1 above, as well as any operating requirements described elsewhere in this document.

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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
Digitech Security Systems
Ph: 780.444.4449