New & Noteworthy

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM A SUCCESSFUL AMBER ALERT?

Happy Monday?

It makes us all sick to our stomach when we hear about a child being abducted. For a Battleford’s area family it’s been a roller coaster after their running vehicle with their six year old daughter in it was stolen on Sunday. An AMBERT ALERT was issued and many of us shared it in our news feeds on social media trying to help any way we could. My wife Heidi and I thought of all the clients we had in the Battleford’s area with HD Security Cameras that we could ask to check for footage. The family made a tearful video appeal asking for the return of their daughter with no questions asked.

It is a Happy Monday because the AMBER ALERT was cancelled as their daughter was safely found by a city worker in an industrial area. Prayers were answered and our worst fears were avoided. It appears to be a crime of opportunity. It’s possible the suspect(s) didn’t know there was a passenger in the vehicle.

So, what can we learn from this?


1. REDUCE OPPORTUNITIES

After running a security business for nearly two decades and visiting multiple crime scenes I can tell you that most crimes are crimes of opportunity. If you want to reduce crime, you need to control the odds and take away the opportunities. This means taking active precautions such as locking doors and windows, having proper lighting at night, and installing a security system. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in by taking action.


2. SOCIAL MEDIA WORKS

Many parents went to social media and shared news about the AMBER ALERT including photos of the abducted child and the vehicle that was stolen. It wasn’t just the RCMP working on their own anymore. Thousands of additional eyes and ears across the prairies were actively spreading the word and creating awareness. It certainly made it difficult for the suspects(s) to hide. Did it play a role in the decision to return the child safely? The investigation will tell the story.

Social Media also works when you share video footage from HD Security Cameras. Next time you experience a theft make sure you contact the POLICE and share images on FaceBook and Instagram. You never know who will recognize the suspect(s).

Virgil Reed
Founder, CEO
Reed Security






SUMMER HOME SECURITY TIPS 2018

Heading on a summer vacation? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that had a break-in.

20+ SUMMER HOME SECURITY TIPS YOU CAN USE TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY


USE COMMON SENSE 

  • If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
  • 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.
  • Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
  • DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. 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.
  • For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive and Dropbox.
  • Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.



MAKE IT DIFFICULT

  • Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.
  • Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.
  • Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.
  • For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.

 
MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

  • Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. 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.
  • Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.
  • Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.
  • If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to cut your grass.



INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

  • The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.
  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



IN CASE YOU DO HAVE A BREAK-IN

  • If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.
  • Call the Police from your mobile phone and wait. 

ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

  • Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office.
  • Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck.
  • Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.
     

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


DRUGS ARE FUELING A 10 PERCENT INCREASE IN BREAK-INS

The Saskatoon Police Service has a Crime Mapping Tool that you can use to learn about all the criminal offences and traffic collisions that have occurred in our community.

In 2017 Saskatoon had 2543 property crimes (break-ins) which is a 10 percent increase over the 2292 property crimes we experienced in 2016.

What's causing the increase in property crime?

One of the reasons is that our city is growing. As of July 2017 Saskatoon's population was estimated at 271,000. As our city grows so do the social problems that go along with it. 

Another reason is we now have a synthetic drug problem - specifically with fentanyl and crystal meth. People are addicted and need money to fuel the addiction. There's also a big increase in theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles and armed robberies.

Check out this 2016 interview between former Saskatoon Police Chief, Clive Weighill, and Global News. (the video quality is poor ,but the explanation is good).
   



What can you do to combat break-in's, vehicle theft, theft from vehicles and robberies?

1. USE COMMON SENSE

  • DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house.
  • 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. Thieves will also know you are travelling.
  • If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.
  • If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
  • 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.
  • Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.
  • For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.
  • Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.
  • Do not leave valuables such as your wallet, loose change, electronics and expensive clothing in a vehicle. 


2. MAKE IT DIFFICULT

  • Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.
  • Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.
  • Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.
  • For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.
  • Do not leave unattended vehicles running
  • Do not leave keys in a vehcile
  • Make sure you lock the doors on your vehicle


3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

  • Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. 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.
  • If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to shovel your driveway.
  • Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.
  • Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.


4. INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.

  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



5. IN CASE YOU DO HAVE A BREAK-IN

  • If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.
  • Call the Police from your mobile phone and wait.


6. ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

  • Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office
  • Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck.
  • Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.


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



HOW TO KEEP THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY 2017

Be Careful of WHAT and WHEN You Post Family Photos!

Travelling during the Christmas holiday season? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that just had a break-in

Here's the TOP 6 HOLIDAY SECURITY TIPS you can implement to protect your Home and Property while you're travelling.


1. USE COMMON SENSE

DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. 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. Thieves will also know you are travelling.

If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.

If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

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.

Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.

Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.



2. MAKE IT DIFFICULT

Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.

Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.

Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.

For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.


3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. 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.

If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to shovel your driveway.

Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.

Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.



4. INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.

  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



5. IN CASE YOU DO HAVE A BREAK-IN

If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.

Call the Police from your mobile phone and wait.


6. ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office. Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck. Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.


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



SUMMER SECURITY TIPS 2017

Heading on summer vacation? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that had a break-in. Here's 20+ Summer Security Tips you can implement to protect your Home and Property while you're travelling.


You're Going to Need More Than a Funny Welcome Mat to Prevent a Break-in!


1. USE COMMON SENSE

If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

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.

Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. 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.

For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.

Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.



2. MAKE IT DIFFICULT

Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.

Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.

Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.

For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.


3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. 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.

Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.

Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.

If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to cut your grass.



4. INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.

  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



5. IN CASE YOU DO HAVE A BREAK-IN

If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.

Call the Police from your mobile phone and wait.


6. ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office. Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck. Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.


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

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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