New & Noteworthy

WANT AN INSURANCE DISCOUNT? GET AN ALARM SYSTEM

Depending on your policy you may qualify for an insurance discount of up to 20% when you have a monitored security system.

Reed Security protects a number of local insurance brokers including The Co-operators, Cherry Insurance, Cooke Insurance and Saskatoon Insurance Agencies. We contacted them for advice and we found the discounts vary between insurance companies.

The main reason an insurance company provides a discount is because it’s less likely you will have a claim. In fact, it’s 400% less likely to have a break-in or major loss when have a monitored security system.

Sometimes the insurance discount can even pay for the entire cost of your monthly security fees. If your home insurance policy is $1600/year and you received a 20% discount, you would save $320/year on insurance costs. If the monthly 24/7 monitoring fee you pay to your security provider is $21.95/month (x 12 months = $263.40), then you would save $56.60 every year.

Some insurance companies provide a discount of 10% to 15% no matter what 24/7 monitoring coverage you have. Other insurance companies will provide additional discounts when you have monitored fire, flood and low temperature protection. To determine exactly how much you can save please contact your local insurance broker.

WARNING: If you cancel your 24/7 monitoring service with your security company you should let your insurance broker know immediately. If you were receiving an insurance discount based on lower risks – you don’t want to run into any problems when you need to use your insurance. Security companies provide records to investigators.


6 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR INSURANCE DISCOUNT

1. Ask your Insurance Broker what discounts you are eligible for if you have a security system with 24/7 ULC Monitoring
2. Get 3 quotes from local security providers - ask your friends and check Google reviews
3. Make sure the security provider you choose has a ULC-listed Central Monitoring Station
4. Arrange to activate the security system and arrange an installation date
5. Your security provider issues a Certificate of Installation to you or your Insurance Company
6. The Insurance Company will provide any applicable discounts once they receive the Certificate of Installation

Not everyone will qualify for an insurance discount including most Businesses.



Even though you may be able to save money by installing a monitored home security system, it isn’t the main reason People install them. Installing a Reed Smart Security & Automation system helps you feel safe and keeps you connected to your home or business.

Alarm.com is super popular. It allows you to control your smart security system, smart locks, smart lights, smart thermostats and ReedHD™ cameras from your smartphone. Instant Email/Text notifications are a hit too. Alarm.com will let you know when your son or daughter arrives home after school. No phone line is required.


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
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Fierce Electric Ltd.
Call 306.825.3772

BEWARE OF THE DOOR TO DOOR ALARM SCAM

It's that time of year when you will be getting pressured by aggressive door to door salespeople. They will be pushing you to sign you up to "limited time offers" that expire "right away" (because they do not have a local office).  And before you know you know it you're on the hook for thousands of dollars.

Several alarm companies only have SUMMER PROGRAMS. They rent houses and hire large crews of university students which are offered large commissions ($400 to $500 per contract) to get you to sign up.

LEARN MORE by Googling "door to door alarm scam".


The Pressure:

  • Sales person won't leave even when you tell them to "Leave"
  • Sales person won't leave when you tell them "No Thanks"
  • Sales person won't leave when you say "I Already Have Your Products or Service"
  • Sales person name drops the name of your neighbor and makes it sound like "they signed up" or "they bought one" or "they referred me to you"
  • Sales person comes to the house several times and won't leave you alone

·        The Solutions:

  • Put Up Your Hand and "Say NO".
  • Immediately close the door and the sales person will eventually leave.
    Tell them "You are Trespassing" and that you are calling the BBB Better Business Bureau, Consumer Protection Branch and the Police if they do not leave.
  • BBB 1-888-352-7601, Consumer Protection 1-877-880-5550, Saskatoon Police 306-975-8300, RCMP (Saskatoon) 306-975-5173 or call your Local Detachment
  • Always Get 3 Quotes for whatever you consider purchasing. This gives you the time to gather information and to check if the "deal" being presented to you is the best option.
  • Never Accept Quick Delivery of a product or service. This gives you a cooling off period and more time to gather facts.

  • If you did proceed with the offer You Have 10 Days to Change Your Mind and CANCEL (and get a full refund). It's the Law in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
  • Create Awareness and Share on Social Media
  • Contact the local media


Reed Security has received 20+ Award Recognitions for the way we look our our People and Customers. We're Local, We Care and We Can Help!

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
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Fierce Electric Ltd.
Call 306.825.3772


4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A MODERN HD SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM

ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera systems have become an important tool for businesses and families. CCTV systems of the past were bulky and expensive and only banks, airports, large retailers, grocery stores and big businesses could afford them. Not anymore! Thanks to early adoption, mass production and payment plans ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera packages are very affordable. We still install video surveillance systems at traditional businesses, but they can now be found just about everywhere – small businesses, gas stations, local restaurants, boutique stores, farms, grain processing facilities, mines, construction sites, schools and at homes.

So, what should you look for when shopping for a modern HD video surveillance system?

1) Ease of Use

We recommend the “try before you buy” method and demo the system you are considering investing in. We have a variety of systems to fit every budget, but the general rule is you get what you pay for. A user managing 4 cameras at a single site has different requirements than a Security Manager that manages 200+ cameras in multiple cities. Our certified technicians will professionally install your ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera system and ensure you understand how to view cameras on your smartphone, search for evidence and make a back-up for the Police.

2) Performance

The image quality of security cameras and recording lengths are performance indicators. Security cameras have resolutions ranging from VGA (640x480) to 7K (7360x4128). Some companies advertise “HD quality”, but the cameras may only be 720p (1280x720) HD. You will find a lot of these cameras at Costco and on-line stores. 720p HD is great for a homeowner or small business wanting the basics, but 1080p (1920x1080) should be the starting point for high definition security cameras. We go above and beyond with ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera packages and often use 4MP (2560 x1440) which is 30% greater than 1080p. Ultra HD 4K (3840x2160) will soon be our new standard. The higher the security camera resolution, the more details you will get on playback. This is extremely important when using our digital zoom tool when looking for evidence. We have samples of HD video surveillance on our YouTube channel.

If you have a compound or construction site you should consider ReedHD™ Smart Cameras. They have built in video analytics and that can detect People and Vehicles or when an object is removed from the security camera view. Next they alert you via smartphone or our UCIT Video Monitoring Stations (who will dispatch the Police). This is an effective way to intervene while a crime is in progress and reduce losses.

You should also pay attention to the NVR (network video recorder) and storage requirements. HD Security Cameras use a lot of storage so the first question should be “how many days would you like to record for”? At Reed Security we use a camera calculator tool that factors in the amount of movement, the scene, the frames per second and the resolution of each HD security camera. Most people need 14 days to 30 days of recording before recycling the data. An NVR with 4 cameras should have 2TB of storage, 8 cameras should have 4TB of storage, and 16 cameras should have 8TB of storage as minimums.

Most people forget that you also need a fast high speed internet connection to view the HD security cameras remotely on your smartphone app. At Reed Security we work with you and your internet provider to make sure you are on the right package for downloading and more importantly uploading video. We recommend a package with 1 MBPS upload for a quality remote viewing experience.



3) Effectiveness

Having an expensive 7K (29MP) HD security camera that can record license plates from 2000 feet away won’t do you any good in poor lighting conditions or if there is an obstructed view. We have installed nearly 20,000 security cameras and have consulted local Police services on optimal placements to help solve crimes. An experienced Reed Security Specialist knows which cameras to install where to ensure your video surveillance solution is effective when you need it most. We also recommend placing several Protected by ReedHD™ warning signs and decals at a site to make potential criminals think twice before committing a crime. Internal theft (employees, shoplifting) is far more common than external theft by an 8:1 ratio. We install warning signage on the inside of the building too - in particular high risk areas such as cash registers and exits.




4) Affordability

What should a HD security camera package cost? If you want an inexpensive system and you are prepared to install it yourself then consider Costco. A very basic system is $500 to $2000 (no labour) and the quality is OK for a basic home or small business. Disadvantages are: poor storage capacity, poor HD quality, poor reliability, poor warranty, no customization of views, pre-made (maximum 25 feet) cables that limit installation locations and if you are not tech savvy a pain to setup for remote viewing on your smartphone or desktop PC.

ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera systems are professionally designed and installed. Our solutions are customized to your needs and budget so the pricing varies. The price ranges from $2500 for a 4 camera 4MP HD security camera package to $100,000+ for a 60 HD security camera solution. The most popular option is our Business Bundles. One low monthly fee covers it all - equipment, parts and labour warranty, helpdesk tech support, on-site service and *free upgrades. It's also a great way to preserve your capital, deduct the payments on your corporate tax return and grow your business.


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
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Coming Soon


WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOES NOT STAY IN VEGAS

TOP 25 COOL SECURITY SOLUTIONS FROM ISCWEST

Would you rather partner with a cutting-edge security LEADER that brings the latest and greatest crime-fighting technology back for their Clients? Or would you like to partner with the Dinosaurs that like to FOLLOW?

Every year we head to Vegas to attend ISCWest. With 1000 exhibitors and 30,0000 security geeks it's the largest Security Expo in North America.

The near future is all about smart security cameras and video management software with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It's getting close to what you see on TV shows like CSI. One example is Face Appearance Search by Avigilon. The software is so smart it can quickly search for the Face of a Person at a site. In the example below the Avigilon representative chooses a thumbnail image of the person he wants to find and the recorded video with the persons face displays immediately. If you look closely, the person he is looking for is on the far right and has an identification box. This is ideal for high traffic locations such as schools, airports, hospitals, government and office buildings.




With over 1000 Exhibitors and 30,000 Security Geeks, ISCWest is THE PLACE to find the latest and greatest security innovations.




Our Sales Manager Ken Spence checked out the Qolsys IQ2 Smart Security & Automation system. This is by far the SMARTEST home and small business solution we've ever seen. Coming to Reed Security mid 2017.


The Qolsys IQ2 Smart Security & Automation system has a few unique features you will not find on any other system. The built in 5MP camera takes photos every time the system is Armed or Disarmed and e-mails it to you (on DisArm). Coming to Reed Security mid 2017.


The Qolsys IQ2 Smart Security & Automation system has a few unique features you will not find on any other system. The 7" touchscreen displays HD video cameras. Also has a built in glass break sensor. Coming to Reed Security mid 2017.


Alarm.com has a few new HD camera options. Above is a Bullet style security camera and below is a Dome style security camera. Comes with Alarm.com cloud recording (no local storage required) and the ability to view with your smartphone. Works best when integrated with a Reed Smart Security & Automation system. For example, when a door opens a video clip of the event is stored to the cloud. 




With Amazon Alexa you can use voice commands to control your IQ2 Smart Security & Automation system. This is similar to Siri or Google Assistant. Unfortunately this is NOT available in Canada yet. 


The Qolsys IQ2 Smart Security & Automation system has a few unique features you will not find on any other system. You can DisArm your system with your SmartPhone (without even using an app). Coming to Reed Security mid 2017.


This is a GAME CHANGERAlarm.com released a System Enhancement Module that attaches onto older DSC Power Series version 4.2 and higher and Honeywell/Ademco alarm systems. It turns your existing alarm system into a Smart Security & Automation system. Control everything with your Smartphone. Coming to Reed Security April 2017


DSC has some great video verification solutions. When your alarm triggers a photo is taken and sent to our Emergency Operators. The Emergency Operator ONLY dispatches the authorities if an intruder is present. This security solution is ideal for back yards and fenced compounds. If you are having a lot of EXPENSIVE false alarms, then this is the right solution for you.


nVidia had 20-odd demos displaying the latest robotic guards and security drones. They have Object Recognition software so accurate it personalizes retail experiences or speeds up law enforcement investigative work. It also has the capabilities to identify cars and pedestrians to keep traffic moving. 


The future of video surveillance is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Search by Example, Super-human image classification, pedestrian detection (in the rain), 5x faster license plate recognition, 10x faster vehicle attribute classification, 11x faster investigation productivity, 30x faster people and attribute detection...


Artificial Intelligence - People Detection


Our security partner Avigilon previews Artificial Intelligence - Face Appearance Search 


Many security companies are investing into Drone technology and developing an integrated security solution. Imagine a smart camera that detects a Person and Drone launching to follow, record, a talk to an unwanted visitor. Our friends at Saskatoon-based www.draganfly.com were way ahead of their time! 


Drones can be used to deliver and detonate explosives. But not if you have a DroneSheild gun. DroneSheild is a counter-measure that allows you to safely take control and jam video frequencies. 


This isn't R2D2. It's the Knightscope Autonomous Data Machine (a security robot). It's microphones, cameras, and analytics are designed to detect threat and alert the proper authorities. The founders created the ADM in response to school shootings and the Boston marathon bombing.


Our security partner Hikvision is the largest video surveillance company in the world. Reed Security gets a tour of their retail, education, government and traffic solutions with Hikvision management. — with Christopher Zenaty, VP Sales, Hikvision USAVirgil Reed,Jeffrey He, President, Hikvision USAKen Spence,Jeff Augustine, Senior Sales Manager Western Canada and Barry Paisley 


Hikvision has released a Specialty Camera Solution line for coastlines, marinas, ports, food processing sites, mines, oil and gas facilities, airports and solar farms.


Hikvision has expanded into vehicle surveillance applications and body worn cameras for law enforcement and security guards. 


Hikvision launched an affordable microphone to record conversations. Audio + Video provides the best evidence to convict a criminal. *Audio recording is not legal in all jurisdictions. 


Schlage has a wireless access control solution for applications that are hard to wire. Comes with a built in proximity reader.


SASKATOON
Reed Security Headquarters
Call
306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

SuRe InnoVations
Call
306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER
Coming Soon

HOW TO HACK A SECURITY CAMERA


A security camera hack occurs when an unwanted person gains access to your security cameras via a network or internet feed. The hacker could be a teenager showing off his tech skills to peers, a current or former employee wanting to gain business intelligence, or a criminal wanting to observe security measures or even disable them. Large scale hacks have occurred when internet activists such as Anonymous target specific businesses or industries.

We have installed 10,000+ i.p. security cameras and we have NOT experienced security vulnerabilities or hacking. As a professional installation company we take extra security measures. 

Spoiler: It wouldn't be responsible for us to tell you how to hack a security camera. Instead we share

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT A SECURITY CAMERA HACK:  

1. Install the latest firmware on all i.p. security cameras, recorders, routers, switches, and wireless access points.

Updating the firmware will correct any known security issues and sometimes add security functions to the device.

2. Do not use default passwords or leave them blank.

Things to consider when picking a password:

- Do not use common words, phone numbers, address etc.
- Use a password min 8 characters long. with a combination of lower & upper case letters and numbers
- This applies to the router, some switches, i.p. security cameras, and network video recorders.

3. Keep track of who has access to your security systems.

-Do they really need it?
-Do they need to view all cameras or just a few?
-Terminate security access when an employee leaves 

4. If you have remote access to a site with your smartphone, make sure your smartphone is locked when not in use.

Some apps will give you full access to the setup of i.p. security cameras and/or NVR (network video recorder).

5. If the NVR is connected to a network that has Wi-Fi, ensure that the Wi-Fi is using encryption and again it has a strong password.


If you are having a problem with Theft (or would like to prevent one)

Contact Us today for a Free Security Evaluation or to find out more information.


SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200
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
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Coming Soon

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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

 

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