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Peace of Mind Volume 2-4: Home Invasion in Mississauga
A woman has been injured in a home invasion in Mississauga. She suffered minor injuries and it is currently unknown what was stolen from the home during the home invasion. The victim was at home with her three-year-old child when four men entered her home dressed as construction workers. They wore yellow construction vests and orange helmets as part of their disguises and one man was carrying a toolbox. Police are also unsure as to whether or not the men forced their way into the home and an investigation into the crime is currently underway. The house is part of a newer development that is still under construction and thus there are often a number of actual construction workers in the area. It appears that the criminals used this fact to surprise the victim.

What We Can Learn from this Home Invasion

This incident highlights the fact that you should never allow strangers into your home regardless of how official they look. You should also be careful whenever strangers are working around your home to prevent home invasion. Criminals often pretend to work for utilities, construction companies or other services that may be working very close to your home. They do so in order to scout out your location for a possible break in and to instill a false sense of security. People are often more trusting of those who are “on the job” than they are of complete strangers who have no reason to be walking around their property. it’s not difficult to become a victim of a home invasion.

If you notice any people working around your home, telephone the organization that they claim to work for and confirm that they are legitimate workers. Do not confront them directly as they may become angry. If anyone asks to enter your home for whatever reason, you should also contact the organization that the person claims to work for. Do not open your door even a small amount for an unexpected stranger. Criminals can take this opportunity to perform home invasion. You are much safer behind a locked door than behind a door that is open a crack. Sometimes that crack is enough to compromise your security as it makes it much easier for a criminal to force his or her way in.

How to Prevent Home Invasion

It is also important that you do not reveal too much information about your living arrangements or your daily schedule. If criminals are scouting out your home, they will want to know how many people are inside the house at any given time. It is always easier to break into a home when no one is home than when many people are present. It is also easier to perform home invasion when only a single person is there. A group of criminals can often easily overpower one person. If criminals know your daily schedule and living arrangements, they will may wait to strike when you are at your most vulnerable. Make it difficult for a criminal to know who is at home by having lights that operate on timers, by leaving one or more cars in the driveway and by keeping the house looking “lived in” no matter how many people are actually present.

It’s also very important that your home has proper security features. The front door to your home isn’t just how you enter most often, it’s also the entrance that many criminals try first. Ensure that your front door is solid and that the frame and hinges can not easily be damaged. Lock all exterior doors with high-quality dead bolts. Dead bolts are much more difficult to tamper with or destroy than other locks. Install window bars on your windows to prevent criminals from entering through them.

SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. We understand what it takes to keep your home safe. For more information and how you can protect your home and your family, please contact SafeTech Alarm Systems and speak to one of our loss prevention professionals.

SafeTech Specials



Free Alarm Installation Offer!

Outfit your home or business with this high-quality DSC 1616 Kit FREE with a 36-month alarm monitoring service agreement.

That’s right – you pay ONLY the monthly monitoring fee of $25.95 and you will enjoy the security of a fully-monitored and installed alarm system. Save money on your annual insurance bill and get peace of mind knowing you have reduced your chance of being broken into.

Please contact us for more information.

Upgrading Your Security System



You may already have a security system in your home or office. The system may be functioning properly. You may never have experienced a break-in or other issue. You may have scared off or caught a criminal in the act due to your security system. However, it is important that you do not become complacent. Security technology is continuously improving to deal with a wide variety of different·issues and to meet the modern needs of today. Security systems aren’t just burglar alarms anymore. They can protect you from a variety of different hazards and problems in a number of different ways. Upgrading your security system to meet changing needs is an excellent idea.

When someone says the words “security system” the first thing that pops to mind for most people is “alarm system.” An alarm system is a critical component of a security system, but it’s just one out of many vital components. If you have a home alarm system or a commercial alarm system, you may wish to consider adding other features to your property in order to improve your overall security. One of the best ways to do this is to add security cameras. Security cameras can catch criminals in the act and aid the police in identifying and prosecuting them. Monitored security cameras provide 24/7 protection·by an experienced and reliable central monitoring station. Internet-connected security cameras let you watch over your home from anywhere with an Internet connection. For more information, please visit our security cameras section. Security cameras are a great upgrade if you do not already have them.

Your security system can protect you from much more than just break-ins. Did you know that it’s easy to add fire protection to your home or commercial alarm system? You can add monitored fire protection to your existing security and receive 24 hour fire, smoke and carbon monoxide protection. This means that the fire department can be quickly dispatched to your home even if you are not around to hear the alarm. You won’t have to worry about suffering major damage without anyone noticing. SafeTech Alarm Systems offers monitored fire protection and monitored carbon monoxide protection services. These systems can greatly reduce the potential damage to your home and even save your life.

You can also upgrade your actual alarm system itself. Are all entrances to your home or business protected by an alarm system? Remember to include all doors and windows, including those on your second floor. Burglars know that many second floor windows are left unprotected and they will attempt to enter your home through those windows. You will also want to protect your garage door with an alarm. Not only do many garages allow direct access to your home, but they also contain tools that could be used in a break in. Upgrading your security system to eliminate these vulnerabilities will keep you safer. There are many ways to prevent home invasion.

Modern technology also allows you to monitor and control your security system via your smart phone, tablet or laptop. This means you can watch your security cameras, set your alarm and perform many other tasks from anywhere with an Internet connection. Please contact us for more details.

Impact of Last Year’s Riot Still Felt in Vancouver



The riot that broke out following the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Vancouver caused a great deal of damage, both physical and emotional. Many stores, businesses and other properties were seriously damaged in the riot. However, recent data shows that the impact of the riot is still felt in the city.

The Vancouver Police investigation into the riot currently uses so many police resources that it has led to 9.3 per cent increase in police response times. The riot investigation involves more than 70 officers from all local police forces as well as municipal departments and the RCMP.

“We believe the slower times were a bit of an anomaly caused by the tremendous impact of the massive riot investigation that stretched resources over those months,” said police spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness in an email to the Vancouver Sun. Response times are expected to return to previous levels once all officers return to their original assignments.

The good news for Vancouver is that while police response times have increased, levels of violent crime fell 6.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2012. Unfortunately, property time across the city has grown by 3.1 per cent.

Security systems such as surveillance cameras and other security technologies can help reduce the amount of property crime in an area. Not only are these technologies great for catching criminals in the act, but they are also an excellent crime deterrent. Criminals do not want to be seen or heard committing crimes and installing modern security systems can do exactly that. There are many ways to prevent home invasion. A criminal would much rather not break into a home or business at all than break into one that is properly protected by a security system that includes surveillance cameras and 24 hour monitoring.

Security guard services are another great way to keep your property safe. Security guards can react to changing situations easily, often faster than the police can since a security guard is already on the scene. He or she can see exactly what is going on at your property and take the required actions immediately. A trained security guard is an excellent way to protect your business or to keep your next event secure. Contact us for more information.

Business Loss Prevention Tips



Whether you have a retail business, an office, a warehouse or any other kind of business, loss prevention is incredibly important. Both customers and employees should be aware of your company’s active loss prevention plan and know that the correct security measures in place. Just knowing that an establishment takes security seriously can often deter many criminals. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. We understand how important loss prevention is and know what tactics need to be taken in order to stop it.

Theft and property damage can come from a variety of different areas depending on the type of business that you run. Customers can shoplift goods from your store, burglars can break in and steal from your warehouse and even employees can become thieves, taking property from a workplace. It is important to understand all of the dangers that exist so that you can properly prepare for them.

Security cameras are an excellent way to protect your business. If they are positioned properly and regularly monitored, they allow you to watch your entire business easily and efficiently. In addition to installing surveillance cameras in areas where clients and customers have access, you will also want to place cameras in stock rooms, warehouses and other locations in your company where assets are stored.

According to the US Department of Commerce, employee theft costs businesses up to $50 billion each year. This is why it is also important to implement access control systems in your company. There should be locks on storage rooms and other sensitive areas. These rooms should only be accessible by employees who absolutely need to access the area. You should also keep a log of who enters these areas in case there is an issue. An access control system that uses key tags or key cards is an efficient and practical way to limit access to certain areas. An access control system can allow only certain employees into designated areas of a building and you can easily track which areas any employee has entered at any time. Speaking of employee theft, it is also important to have a series of checks and balances for any employees who could be working with financial data or sensitive information. You need to ensure that you can track their actions at all time in order to eliminate theft.

Electronic article surveillance is another excellent way to increase security in your business. These systems are most often noticed at retail establishment, but they are also effective in a number of different businesses. Electronic article surveillance involves attaching a security tag to inventory and installing a detection system to track the tags. This prevents staff, customers, criminals and shoplifters from removing inventory from your business without your knowledge. Once the security tag passes the detection system (which is usually located at the entrance of an establishment) an alarm will sound.

Another excellent way to secure your business is to use security guard services. Guards can either patrol your property, be stationed at a security desk or make regular rounds in a marked security vehicle in order to monitor your property for any issues or security weaknesses. A uniformed security guard either in a marked car or stationed on your property will certainly deter criminals. Furthermore, a security guard can actively monitor developing situations and react based on exactly what is happening on the ground in real time. Keep your home safe from home invasion, as well as your business. For more information on security guard services, please visit our security guards page.
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Peace of Mind Vol 2-1: Condo Security Tips
When you live in a condominium, you may not pay the same attention to condo security as you would if you were living in a house. This is especially true if you are in a high-rise condominium. The fact that you may have a security desk or an entry phone system, combined with the fact that your unit may be located on a high floor, can sometimes be enough to make you feel as though you don’t need to be concerned with security at all. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Here are a few condo security tips.

You can still be a victim of crime when you live in a condominium, even on a high floor. The threats are different than in a standard house and so the precautions that you take will also need to be different. Here are some condo security tips.

Condo Security Tips for Your Safety

One of the best things you can do is to investigate the condo security features before you move in. You do not want to move into a condo – either new or resale – that has weak security. Some buildings feel that security is less important in a condo than in a house, but this is certainly not true. If you already live in a condominium, you may wish to speak with your building’s superintendent, property management office or security team. Knowing which security features your building has and finding out exactly how your condominium keeps you safe is incredibly important. Stay safe with our condo security tips.

The main entry point to a condominium is obviously the front door. However, your building could also have alternate entry points such as side and rear doors or garage doors. All of these doors should be secured, not just the front door. It should be impossible to get into your building without being noticed. If your building has a security guard or concierge at the front door, find out how he or she monitors the building’s other entrances as well. Many buildings have surveillance cameras that are monitored by building security. This is necessary to keep you safe in a condominium. Condo security tips for your own safety are beneficial.

Read the rest of this article here.

SafeTech Specials

Free Alarm Offer!

Outfit your home or business with this high-quality DSC 1616 Kit FREE with a 36-month alarm monitoring service agreement.

That’s right – you pay ONLY the monthly monitoring fee of $25.95 and you will enjoy the security of a fully-monitored and installed alarm system. Save money on your annual insurance bill and get peace of mind knowing you have reduced your chance of being broken into.

Please contact us for more information.

Security Tips for Mac OS Users

Apple products are becoming more and more popular each day. iPhones and iPads are leading the charge, but laptops and desktop computers from Apple are generally increasing in sales as well. While it’s traditionally been the case that Windows computers face more malware attacks and other issues than Macs do, Apple’s larger marketshare could mean that Macs will become targets as well. In March and April 2012, a Trojan horse known as “Flashback” affected more than 600,000 Mac OSX users. The malware could hijack a user’s web browser and was designed to steal personal information.

In early April it was estimated that 56.6% of computers infected by Flashback were located within the United States. 19.8% were in Canada, 12.8% were in the United Kingdom and 6.1% were in Australia. Apple released an update to fix the vulnerability on April 3rd, 2012 and a further update on April 12th to remove the most common Flashback variants. Estimates state that there are currently less than 30,000 computers that are still infected. But is security now a problem for Macs?

Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and co-founder of security company Kaspersky Lab, has stated that Apple is “10 years behind Microsoft in terms of security.”

He added that Apple “will have to make changes in terms of the cycle of updates and so on and will be forced to invest more into their security audits for the software.”

In the meantime, how can you protect yourself from being affected by a similar malware problem?

One key is to keep your computer updated. Run “Software Update” on your Mac and apply patches whenever they are available. Many of the computers that have been attacked recently were running out-of-date software. Common programs such as Java, Flash, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader and Microsoft Office are frequent targets due to their popularity and accessibility. Update these and all other software programs frequently.

Install anti-virus software. Macs need virus, spyware and malware protection too, not just Windows PCs. This will become more and more necessary as Mac computers become more popular. Two well-known anti-virus programs for Mac OS are “ClamXav” and “Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition.” Both programs feature real-time virus monitoring, automatic updates for malware definitions and they both allow you schedule scans. Keeping your software and malware scanners up-to-date will help keep your Mac secure.

Only visit, download and install anything from websites that you trust. However, malware programs can infect trusted websites which could lead to you downloading something from a “trusted” site only to find yourself infected. This is is why keeping your computer updated and having proper scanning programs is so important.

The Importance of Fire Safety



Fires are incredibly devastating. They can quickly turn from small and manageable to out of control in a very short period of time. Fires can result in property damage, injury and death. It is incredibly important that you focus on fire safety in your home and that you stress the importance of fire safety to all members of your family, especially your children.

Your entire family should have a plan for what to do in the event of a fire and this plan should be practiced and memorized by all family members. During some fires you will only have a few seconds to escape, so it is critical that you are able to act quickly from memory. Hold a family fire drill at least twice a year to ensure that everyone knows how to escape the home in the event of an emergency. Your fire plan should include two exits from every room. In most cases this will be the door and the window. Make sure that windows can open easily from the inside. If you have security bars installed, they should be the quick release type. You will also need to choose a safe location to meet once you have escaped your home. This place should be easy to remember and a safe distance from your house. A tree, lamp post, park location or neighbour’s house are all good choices. You should call the fire department from this location, rather than from inside the house where you won’t have much time.

It may seem pointless to have such a detailed plan and a pain to rehearse it frequently, but having one and being prepared could safe your life if a fire breaks out. Stress this fact to your family when you’re releasing your plan. Your plan should also take into consideration that some people will need assistance escaping from your home. Children, the elderly and people with disabilities may need extra help. Take this fact into consideration when coming up with your escape plan and decide exactly who will provide assistance and how this assistance will be provided. It’s also a good idea to draw the floor plan of your home and to label all exits so that everyone is aware of how to leave during an emergency such as a fire.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives as well. Make sure to place one on every floor of your home and near every sleeping area or bedroom. It’s incredibly important to regularly check that your smoke detectors are functioning properly. Test them monthly and replace the batteries immediately if something is wrong. If your smoke detector is not working and replacing the batteries doesn’t help, get a new smoke detector right away. Even if there are no problems, you should replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year if not twice. It’s easy to remember to replace them if you do so whenever you change the time on your clocks for daylight savings time.

Hardwired smoke alarms have the advantage of not requiring batteries. However, it’s still important to test them regularly. You should also consider having your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monitored by a 24-hour monitoring team. This will ensure that the fire department will be contacted in case of a fire, even if you are not at home. For more information, please visit our fire protection page.

Jewelry Buyer Attacked During Store Robbery



A Toronto jewelry buyer was assaulted inside his own store during a robbery on April 20th. Harold Gerstel, known as “Harold the Jewelry Buyer,” after the name of his store, needed 10-to-20 stitches and staples in his head and he suffered a black eye after being hit with a gun by a robber in his store.

The attacker had been to the store several times before to sell jewelry. On the day of the attack, the alleged attacker brought in some additional jewelry items to sell. Gerstel then stated that the man then pulled out a gun from his waistband. Gerstel tried to grab the gun, but the robber attacked him.

“Then he started hitting me on the head with the gun and I kind of blacked out for a few minutes,” Gerstel said. The man then fled the store with some of the jewelry. He was arrested a few days later. The alleged criminal had left his identification behind and was captured on security camera committing the crime. This resulted in a quick arrest.

Toronto Police seized a handgun at the suspect’s home when they arrested him. He was charged with robbery while armed with a firearm, aggravated assault and careless storage of a firearm.

It’s important that local businesses take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from robberies and assault. As this case shows, anyone can attack your store at any time. It is therefore very important to be protected. Security cameras are an incredibly valuable tool in this regard. Having visible cameras will deter criminals from attempting to commit a crime. People will not want to risk being identified on camera as video surveillance footage is very powerful evidence that can be used by police and also in court during a trial. Even if a crime does take place, the security cameras will capture exactly what happened so that tracking down, charging and convicting the criminal will be much easier and faster. For more information on how security cameras can protect your business, please visit our commercial security cameras page.
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Condo Security Tips for Your Safety
condo security tipsWhen you live in a condominium, you may not pay the same attention to security as you would if you were living in a house. This is especially true if you are in a high-rise condominium.

However, condo security is important. The fact that you may have a security desk or an entry phone system – combined with the fact that your unit may be located on a high floor – might be enough to make you feel as though you don’t need to be concerned with security at all. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

You can still be a victim of crime when you live in a condominium. The threats are different than in a standard house and so the precautions that you take will also need to be different. Here are a few tips for condo security.

What to Look for in Condo Security

One of the best things you can do is to investigate the condo security features that are in place before you move in. You do not want to move into a condo – either new or resale – that has weak security. Some buildings feel that security is less important in a condo than in a house, but this is certainly not true. If you already live in a condominium, you may wish to speak with your building’s superintendent, property management office or security team. Knowing which security features your building has and finding out exactly how your condo keeps you safe is incredibly important.

The main entry point to a condominium is obviously the front door. However, your building could also have alternate entry points such as side and rear doors or garage doors. All of these doors should be secured, not just the front door. It should be impossible to get into your building without being noticed. If your building has a security guard or concierge at the front door, find out how he or she monitors the building’s other entrances as well. Many buildings have surveillance cameras that are monitored by building security. This is necessary to keep you safe in a condominium and a big part of condo security.

Many condominiums use high security keys or fobs to enter the building. These are definitely important for condo security and safety as they are difficult to copy. Criminals will have a hard time gaining access to a key fob and even if a criminal steals or finds your key fob, you can report it to your building and have the fob deactivated immediately. A standard key does not offer  the same type of security.

Protecting Residents: A Key to Condo Security

You will also want to look into the kind of condo security technology that your building uses on its doors. Investigate the security on the door to your suite and on all other doors in the building. Pay special attention storage room doors and exterior doors. Doors should lock with a strong deadbolt and suite doors can have doorknob covers installed to prevent smashing and tampering. You may also want to find a condominium that has a “full-length astragal” installed on exterior doors. This is a security plate that makes it more difficult for burglars to pry open your door and is a key condo security tool.

Lighting is also very important, both inside the building and around the exterior of the building. Criminals like to work in the dark where they can avoid being seen and where they can use the element of surprise to attack. A well-lit building will keep you safe. Think of this when you are analyzing the condo security at condominium building.
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Protecting Property in Public
When many people think about security, they often think about protecting property such as their homes and businesses from crime. Keeping your home or office safe and keeping criminals away are certainly important and strategies for accomplishing these goals must certainly receive a great deal of attention. However, it’s also important to think about protecting yourself and protecting property when you are outside in a public place.

Recent news stories show how important protecting property in public really is. Recently three separate swarmings in Toronto led to police asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. In the swarmings, victims reported that they were surrounded by a number of people who threatened and robbed them. In one swarming four men wearing disguises approached a 19-year-old male. Two of the criminals grabbed the victim’s arms while the other two stole his backpack, glasses and other items in his pockets. In another case, a 21-year-old man was reportedly approached by two men wearing disguises and a third holding a handgun. They threatened him and forced him to give them his cell phone and his cash. In a third reported swarming, a 22-year-old male was surrounded by three men. They shoved and kicked him before leaving the scene with his cell phone.

Several unrelated street robberies took place in Toronto recently. A 17-year-old male was arrested after he robbed several victims. The accused would approach victims with a weapon and demand that they hand over their valuables.

Protecting Property: Tips to Keep you Safe

Cellular phones, personal music players, portable computers as well as purses, wallets and handbags are frequently targeted by thieves. These items are small enough that they can be carried easily, but they also are usually high in value. It is important that you protect yourself from thieves and criminals while you are outside in public. This is about your own safety, not just protecting property.

A key to keeping yourself safe and protecting property is to not look like a vulnerable target. Do not carry more with you than you need to. Large bags, backpacks and purses can make you a target as criminals assume that you are carrying a number of valuable items. If you carry a purse or bag, make sure that you keep it close to your body on a short strap. Avoid having your bag hang far away from your body where it will be visible.

In the same sense, do not flash valuables such as jewelry, cash or electronics around. These items are popular with thieves as they are small enough to carry easily. This is a key to protecting property. Keep your cellular phone or personal music player in your pocket and do not take it out unless it is necessary.

Avoid walking through isolated areas whenever possible. Criminals are much less likely to strike in a heavily populated area where they will be spotted and possibly caught. If you must walk through a more deserted area, be aware of your surroundings at all times. this will help with protecting property. Do not wear headphones or other devices that will make it difficult for you to hear what is going on around you. Walk with a sense of purpose and keep your head up and shoulders back. Walk at a good pace – not too slowly but not too quickly either. Your body language will convey a sense of confidence. Watch out for other people, especially groups of people and try to leave the deserted area as quickly as possible.
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Staying Safe at a Hotel
When you’re out of town for business or on vacation you may find yourself worrying about your home. You might be thinking about someone breaking into your house when you’re not around. You could be preoccupied with thoughts of a flood or fire happening without you knowing. Those are valid concerns and they should certainly be addressed by a strong home security and fire prevention system. However, you should also be thinking about your personal safety and staying safe while you’re staying in your hotel.

Some people think that they will be safe in a hotel because the lock on their door and the fact that the hotel has a concierge at the front desk. While those factors certainly help protect you, you also have to be careful about feeling “invincible” when you’re in a hotel. You will still need to focus on staying safe. It’s important to keep your own safety and security as well as the security of any items in your room in mind when you’re staying at a hotel.

Staying Safe with Valuables and More when Travelling

Only take the electronic devices that you will actually need. These days it’s quite common to take a laptop, tablet, smart phone, camera and many other electronic items when you travel. However, these items are expensive, lusted after by criminals and generally easy to steal. No one thinks twice if they see someone leaving a room with a laptop computer. When you travel, take only the items that you are actually going to use. This is crucial for staying safe and keeping your valuables secure. You may not need to bring your computer or tablet with you at all. You can likely use your smart phone for email and accessing the Internet. If you don’t have a smart phone, many hotels have “business centers” where you can access the Internet. If not, there is probably an Internet cafe nearby somewhere. If you are traveling on business, for example, and you absolutely need to bring your laptop along, carry it with you or lock it up in your room somehow. Many hotels offer in-room safes.

You should avoid taking other valuables with you when you travel as well. Jewelry and other expensive items can easily be stolen from rooms. Take only what you need when you travel and leave the rest at home. You’ll be glad that you did.

Avoid placing the “Please make up room” sign on your door. This sign lets criminals know that you are not in the room. Criminals will take this as an invitation to break in. It’s even possible that someone would break into your room and then switch the sign to “Do Not Disturb” so that he or she can work without being bothered. If you’d like to have housekeeping come to your room, phone down to the front desk and ask.

Another tip for staying safe is to bring a doorstop or “door alarm” with you when you travel. Most hotel rooms have secure locks and chains on their doors, but some do not. Placing extra security on your door will prevent criminals from breaking in while you’re in the room. You may want to add some extra security to your windows as well, especially if you’re on a lower floor. If you find yourself worried about security and you don’t have any additional security tools with you, place a chair or another item from your room in front of the doors and windows. These won’t stop someone from breaking in, but they’ll let you know if someone tries to enter your room while you’re sleeping. The noise may spook the crook as well.

Always use the peephole in your room before answering the door and do not let anyone into the room unless you know exactly who they are. This is a key method of staying safe in a hotel. Criminals sometimes pretend to be room service workers or hotel staff in order to get inside your room. If you didn’t order room service or if someone claiming to be staff knocks on your room for seemingly no reason, call down to the security desk first to verify before answering the door.

It’s also a good idea to learn about the surrounding area. This is quite easy to do using online maps. Knowing exactly where your hotel is and where you can find nearby stores, shops and services will help you get around the neighbourhood faster and function without consulting a map, which will increase your chances of staying safe. Criminals often look at tourists as easy targets, so if you know where you’re going, you won’t stand out. Scouting your location beforehand will also keep you from accidentally wandering into a bad neighbourhood.
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Peace of Mind: Vol.1-23 – Security Tips for Seniors Living Alone
SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security. Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free. Peace of Mind is the definitive resource for loss prevention advice and the most recognized and trusted authority on safety and security, just as SafeTech has established itself as the premiere loss prevention company in North America.

Safely Meeting People Online

Today, a lot of relationships are built online. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn make it easier than ever to connect with others who work in your industry. Internet dating sites have been the start of many great romances. Message boards, blogs and other online resources are usually home to various meet-ups and get-togethers. While meeting people on the Internet can often be a safe and fun way to find others with similar interests, you’ll still need to take some precautions. Remember, the person you talk to online could be completely different in real life. For example, recently a man in Belgium started up a conversation on Facebook with someone who identified themselves as a single woman. However, when the two arranged to go on a date, it turned out that the single woman was actually two criminal men. The men attacked their victim on the “date,” stole his keys and robbed his apartment and his business. Here are a few tips for safely meeting people online. Don’t Share Your Personal Information Online No matter how well you think you know someone online, do not give them important personal information such as your address, business information, credit card or banking information, social insurance or driver’s license number or any other information. These details can be used to harm you both physically and financially and supplying them can open you up to identity theft. Meet and Stay in a Public Place Never offer to meet someone at their home or invite them into your home if you have only met them online. If you meet in a public place where other people will be around (for example, a restaurant) you have protection from the general public should anything negative happen. Tell Someone About The Meeting Make sure you tell a friend or relative who you are meeting, where you are meeting them and how long you expect the meeting to last. You can arrange to telephone or text message them at set points throughout the night so that they know you are fine. Do Your Homework Today you can find out a great deal about someone by searching their name on Google, Bing or any other search engine. You can verify details about their live and ensure that they are who they say they are before you meet them in person.

Staying Safe In The Summer Heat

Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing some pretty intense summer heat right now. While many people wait all winter for the warm weather to finally arrive, it’s important that you can some precautions when the temperature starts to rise. You’ll need to remember to drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is very important. Water is a much better choice than other drinks. Drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar can actually cause your body to become dehydrated. Be sure to drink water frequently and not just when you’re thirsty. Try to limit your physical activity outdoors. If you must do some sort of physical work, it’s best to take frequent breaks and to rest often. Resting in a cool place is preferred. Wear sunscreen. Sunburns can be dangerous. Make sure to pay special attention to children, the elderly and pets as well as anyone who has any illnesses. You should make sure that they are not exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time. Be aware if you are feeling flush, nauseous, dizzy, confused, overly tired or disoriented. These could be signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Security Tips for Seniors Living Alone

For a senior citizen who is living alone, being independent and feeling save in their own home are primary issues. Thankfully, many seniors are able to love alone safely due to a few practical security tips. First of all, strong locks on all doors is certainly important. These will prevent break-ins and make the house much safer. Remember to lock all entrances, not just the front door. Installing safety bars in the bathroom near the shower and toilet can help a great deal. You’ll also want to make sure that the railings on any stairs are safe and secure. Make sure all bars are railings are at comfortable heights so that reaching or straining isn’t necessary. You’ll also want to ensure that there is adequate lighting in the house and that tripping hazards such as rugs and cables are moved out of the way or secured to the floor. You may want to install motion-activated lights that turn on whenever someone enters the room. Nightlights in dark areas are helpful as well. Our security tips can help your increase safety. To provide a great deal of safety and security, consider getting an emergency alert system. Emergency alert devices, such as medical alert alarms, These personal emergency response systems give seniors the confidence to go about their daily routine while knowing that help is just a simple button push away. Medical alert or emergency alert systems are small and lightweight so they can be carried in a pocket or worn on a wrist, neck or keychain. They are connected to a central alarm monitoring station and provide 24 hours safety and security. In the event of a slip, fall or medical emergency, help can be on the way almost immediately.

SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report Now Available

Protect yourself! Find out where and what type of crime is happening in your neighbourhood and your city with SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report. Use the 2011 City Crime Report to:
  • Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
  • Examine the types of crime taking place in your region and across the country
  • Compare different areas of the country on several different types of crime
  • Recognize the severity and likelihood of crime taking place in your city
  • Understand the overall crime situation in this country
Crime statistics vary drastically across the country and only by knowing the information for your region can you properly protect yourself, your family and your possessions. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have compiled crime statistics from across Canada, broken them down by province and city and presented them in a straightforward manner that will help keep you safe! To receive a free copy of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ Canadian City Crime Report 2011, please click here.

What Do You Want to See?

Do you have a question, comment or story idea for “Peace of Mind”? Do you have some news regarding recent crimes or break-ins? Email us and let us know!

Online Technical Support, Special Promotions and More!

On the SafeTech Alarm Systems website, you’ll have access to special product promotions as well! Don’t miss out on exciting deals and promotional offers! We’re always working to add and improve website features in order make our website more appealing, more functional and easier to navigate. We invite you to visit the new site and let us know what you think. Stay tuned for even more enhancements to the SafeTech Alarm Systems website over the next few months!

Need help troubleshooting your alarm system?

The safetechalarms.ca online technical support features and live online help that will guide you through any issue! Now you can solve any problems you may have with your alarm system quickly, easily and without picking up the phone or waiting for a technician to arrive! We even offer live online chat with members of our technical support team if you have any questions. Visit our technical support page here.

Stay In Up-To-Date With SafeTech!

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest security news
  • Hear about upcoming events
  • Find out about new products, services and promotions first
  • Access technical support services
  • And much more!
How? It’s simple! There are many ways to stay up to date with SafeTech Alarm Systems. You can Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Subscribe to our Youtube Channel or get the latest news by visiting our website at www.safetechalarms.ca To contact us online, please visit http://safetechalarms.ca/contact-us.html or SafeTech Alarm System 121 Willowdale, Suite # 202 North York, ON, M2N 6A3, Canada
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Peace of Mind: Vol 1-18 – Apartment Security Tips
SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security. In this issue we focus on apartment security tips and more! Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free. Trust SafeTech for apartment security tips, business security tips and more! Peace of Mind is the definitive resource for loss prevention advice and the most recognized and trusted authority on safety and security, just as SafeTech has established itself as the premiere loss prevention company in North America.

Security Tips That Can Save Your Data

If you’re like most people, you probably use a computer on a pretty regular basis. Whether you’re using one for business, pleasure or a combination of both, it’s important to keep some safety tips in mind. Here are a few tips for how you can keep your data safe: Back up your data reguarly This is one of the most important computer activities you can do. No matter how safe you are, your computer is an electronic device and all electronic devices will eventually break. If your hard drive shuts down with all of your data on it, it could be gone for good. Keeping a second copy of all important data on another storage device (such as an external hard drive) is the best way to protect your data. Having two copies is better than one. Always. Be aware online Some criminals try to con victims into posting their confidential information online.If you receive an email asking you to enter your personal information or yoru financial information into a website, be aware of what you are doing. Check the website and make sure it actually is what it says it is. Some criminals use similar domain names to try to trick people. If you normally do your online banking at OnlineBankingSite.com, for example, con artists may register Online.Banking.Site.com to try and trick you into entering your account information. Be aware and be safe. Watch what you install As mentioned in the above point, you need to be aware online. You should never install a program if you do not know exactly what it does. You should also only install programs from trusted companies and trusted websites. Viruses and spyware are often hiding inside harmless-looking programs, so pay attention. Make sure your password is safe Don’t share your online passwords with anyone and choose passwords that will be difficult to guess. Someone can steal your identity and all of your information if they figure out the right passwords. Use protection Virus scanners, spyware detectors and other computer security programs are important. Make sure that you install one and that you run it regularly. However, not all programs are created the same and some can cause more problems than they solve. Be sure to only use quality programs from trusted sources.

Did You Know? Nearly 2.2 million crimes were reported to police in 2009 (Source: Statistics Canada)

Apartment Security Tips to Protect Your Home

Some people feel that security systems and general security tips are not important if you live in an apartment or high-rise condominium. They feel that the size and height of the building makes it unnecessary for them to worry about security. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Apartment security tips are important. While apartments and condos do add some security features by their very nature, they also cause several security problems that should certainly be a concern. One security flaw with apartment buildings is that many of them have balconies. It is possible for criminal to climbs from one balcony to another or for someone to simply climb onto a balcony that is on a low floor. Balcony doors should always be secured in order to prevent break-ins. You want to make sure that you have strong locks on your balcony and that you protect yourself. If you have a sliding door, you can install a lock that prevents it from sliding. This is one of the most important apartment security tips. Another apartment building security threat comes from the fact that a large number of people are inside an apartment complex at any given time. These people may have snuck in behind residents or lied about their identities in order to get into the building. They are a security risk because you cannot be sure who they are or why they are in the building. You must be aware of who you let into the building at all times and make sure no one sneaks in behind you. In addition, one of the most crucial apartment security tips is that you should have a peephole on your door so that you can see everyone who knocks on your door in order to identify them. You should make sure that you have a strong lock and dead bolt on your door as well. Security systems are just as vital in apartment buildings and condominiums as they are in single-family homes. An apartment security system can be connected to a central monitoring station or your building’s security desk in order to keep you safe.

Keeping Your Kids Safe From Strangers

Whether your children are at school, the local playground or a friend’s house, you’ll obviously want to ensure that they’re safe. It’s always good a freshen up on some security tips that you can use to make sure your kids are safe from strangers.
  • If someone different is picking your child up from school or any other location, make sure you tell this to your child as to whoever is in charge at the venue. Tell your kids that unless they hear otherwise from you, they should never leave with a stranger.
  • Have a “secret password” that only trustworthy people know. Teach you child to ask for this password before they leave with anyone.
  • Do not write your children’s names on their backpacks, their clothing or any other visible locations. Criminals will use this information to call your child by his or her name in an attempt to gain trust.
  • Make sure your kids know their name, address and phone number as well as their parents’ names. This information is vital in the event of an emergency.
  • Teach you children how to get help if they need it. Let them know that they can trust police officers and other people in uniform. However, tell them never to go anywhere with someone they don’t know, even if it is a person in uniform, unless you say it’s okay.
  • Ask your children for details about their day. If they’ve gone to a friend’s house, talk to them at length about it to ensure that nothing inappropriate, dangerous or illegal took place.

SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report Now Available

Protect yourself! Find out where and what type of crime is happening in your neighbourhood and your city with SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report. Use the 2011 City Crime Report to:
  • Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
  • Read about home, business and apartment security tips
  • Examine the types of crime taking place in your region and across the country
  • Compare different areas of the country on several different types of crime
  • Recognize the severity and likelihood of crime taking place in your city
  • Understand the overall crime situation in this country
Crime statistics vary drastically across the country and only by knowing the information for your region can you properly protect yourself, your family and your possessions. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have compiled crime statistics from across Canada, broken them down by province and city and presented them in a straightforward manner that will help keep you safe! To receive a free copy of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ Canadian City Crime Report 2011, please click here.

What Do You Want to See?

Do you have a question, comment or story idea for “Peace of Mind”? Do you have some news regarding recent crimes or break-ins? Email us and let us know!

Online Technical Support, Special Promotions and More!

On the SafeTech Alarm Systems website, you’ll have access to special product promotions as well! Don’t miss out on exciting deals and promotional offers! We’re always working to add and improve website features in order make our website more appealing, more functional and easier to navigate. We invite you to visit the new site and let us know what you think. Stay tuned for even more enhancements to the SafeTech Alarm Systems website over the next few months! The safetechalarms.ca online technical support features and live online help that will guide you through any issue! Now you can solve any problems you may have with your alarm system quickly, easily and without picking up the phone or waiting for a technician to arrive! We even offer live online chat with members of our technical support team if you have any questions. Visit our technical support page here.

Stay In Up-To-Date With SafeTech!

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest security news
  • Hear about upcoming events
  • Find out about new products, services and promotions first
  • Access technical support services
  • And much more!
How? It’s simple! There are many ways to stay up to date with SafeTech Alarm Systems to read more apartment security tips and more. You can Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Subscribe to our Youtube Channel or get the latest news by visiting our website at www.safetechalarms.ca To contact us online, please visit http://safetechalarms.ca/contact-us.html or SafeTech Alarm System 121 Willowdale, Suite # 202 North York, ON, M2N 6A3, Canada
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Security Tips from a Burglar: Protect your Home

Security Tips from a Burglar

security tips There are over 12,392 reported burglaries in Toronto each year. These burglaries are not unique to certain neighbourhoods or pockets of the city; every home in Toronto is susceptible to the threat of break-ins. There are various techniques residents implement every day to protect their home from this looming threat, some strategies work, while others are less successful. How do you know if you are taking the right steps to protecting your home? In a recent article in the Bayview Post by Malcolm Johnston, an unnamed ex-convict and burglar visited a handful of neighbourhoods throughout Toronto and detailed what home owners can do to safeguard against burglaries.

One of the first lines of defence that many home owners use to prevent break-ins is a security alarm system. However, as the ex-convict points out in the story, an alarm system is useless if it is not properly installed. Most alarm systems are triggered by motion detectors placed throughout a home. When armed these motion detectors will trigger the alarm if motion is detected. According to the security tips of a burglar in the story most of these motion detectors leave a foot and a half gap in coverage along the floor. He indicated that many times he would be able to bypass a motion detector by crawling on the floor. If he saw the monitor go red he would lay silent and still until the light turned green. There are two ways to ensure that your motion detectors provide the best possible protection. The first is position them so they cover the floor. The second is position them in places that hide them from intruders. The burglar in the story admitted that if he ever set off the alarm, he left as quickly as he could.

A second tactic the burglar described he would use to break into houses is breaking basement or ground floor windows to gain entrance to a home. Most alarm systems include window contacts that trigger the alarm systems if a window is broken or tampered with. The burglar indicated that depending on the style window, he sometimes could remove it from the frame entirely avoiding the window contact completely. He suggested using tempered glass which he described as unbreakable to deter burglars from gaining access to your home. However, in this respect he is incorrect, tempered glass is made to shatter in many pieces when broken and as a result a burglar can still get inside your home if this is the only strategy you use. The best option would be to use a window film. Window film is a clear film that when applied to the inside surface of glass; can help keep glass fragments together on the surface of the film while the glass remains in the frame.

The ex-convict in the Bayview Post article mentioned a handful of other tactics to avoid break-ins and burglary. Among these security tips were, get a dog or a dog toy, burglars will avoid homes with a barking alarm. Investing in solid doors that can’t be kicked in and installing deadbolt locks is another valuable tip as is closing your blinds when your not home and keeping an eye on suspicious people in your neighbourhood. However, one security measure that he did not mention that is an incredibly powerful deterrent is a security camera. Security cameras are one of the most powerful tools you can implement to deter break-ins and protect your home. While in the past security cameras were once thought to be only used in commercial or industrial settings their successful results have seen them installed in more and more residential homes. For more information on break-in prevention security tips or to learn more about any of the security products discussed here contact SafeTech alarms today!
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Commercial Security Tips for Holiday Shopping Rush
commercial security tips holidayWe are about to enter the busiest shopping period of the entire year, which makes it a great time to discuss commercial security tips. For the next month retail stores are going to see a tremendous influx in the amount of traffic they receive as customers commence their holiday shopping. While the increase in customers is fantastic it can be a little overwhelming to stores that are unprepared. An increase in traffic can be a drain on your staff and resources and could potentially leave you more vulnerable to shop lifting and inventory loss. Here are a few tips to protect your business from the unfortunate side effects of the holiday shopping rush.

The first thing you can do to protect your business and inventory is install a security camera. This might be one of the most important commercial security tips. As discussed on this blog last week security cameras are a great deterrent to potential theft as the threat of being videotaped makes criminals think twice. Placing a camera in a high traffic area where it can be clearly seen alerts potential shoplifters that they are being recorded. Camera’s can also be placed in store rooms to ensure your employees are not engaging in shoplifting. This is an important step during the holiday rush as many stores take on additional staff that they are unfamiliar with. A security camera will keep everyone honest. Keep this information and other commercial security tips in mind.

Another step you can take to protect your retail store safe during the holiday shopping rush is hiring a security guard. Security guards are another of the very important commercial security tips you will want to follow. They are the best deterrent toward shoplifting. To criminals a security guard represents a very real chance of being apprehended while engaging in criminal activity. A uniformed security guard strategically placed at the entrance to a commercial retail store can significantly cut down on the loss of inventory. In addition a retail store can opt to hire a plain clothed security guard to pose as a shopper and get a closer look at potential shoplifters. Plain clothed guards experience tremendous success rates when hired for the holiday season. The larger the retail space the more security guards you will need for the holiday rush. If you already employ a security guard it may be a good idea to hire a second for this incredibly busy month. Following these commercial security tips can help protect your business.

Commercial Security Tips

If you are interested in installing security cameras, surveillance equipment or security guards to protect your store this holiday season contact us today. We can also provide you with additional tips on keeping your inventory safe this month.

Audio version of this article: https://www.safetechalarms.com/podcast/commercial-security-tips-for-holiday-shopping-rush.mp3 Also you can download this audio file and you can listen on your personal MP3 player.
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Home Alarms Protect Against Home Invasions
There is no more frightening security threat than home invasions. The idea of an intruder breaking into your home is unfortunately a very real security risk. The number of home invasions that are taking place in Canada are growing at a staggering rate. According to CBC there have been over 60 home invasions in Toronto in the past year. While most home invasions are motivated by theft and take place while the home owners are away a growing number are taking place while the occupants are home. In these circumstances the home invasions turn quite violent as the intruders often demand money or valuables from the home owners under the threat of physical violence including assault and even murder. What is shocking is that in most instances the homes invaded are targeted at random. Everyone is susceptible to this growing criminal phenomenon and the best way to protect you and your family is by installing a home alarm system. Home alarms protect more than just your property. They can also protect you and your loved ones.

Home Alarms Protect your Family from Home Invasions

home alarms protectIt is a well documented fact that home alarms protect and deter crime. Houses, apartments and condominiums that do not have proper security and alarm systems report a much higher rate of home invasions than those who have a professionally installed home alarm system. In many cases a sticker on a window or a sign on your front lawn indicating that you have an alarm system installed is enough to make a potential criminal think twice before approaching your home. If a criminal were to attempt a home invasion on a residence secured with a home alarm system, the alarm would go off as soon as they attempted to enter. This is how home alarms protect you. Thanks to window and door sensors that are linked up to the central alarm system, as soon as your home is tampered with an alarm will sound alerting you and anyone else in the area to the potential security threat.

Once your alarm has sounded a second line of defence is implemented. Most home alarms protect by being monitored by a central monitoring station that will contact your home as soon as the security system indicates there has been a breech. If the monitoring station can’t get a hold of you or they do and you tell them there is a problem they will contact the police right away. Criminals are aware of how fast a central monitoring station can get the police on the scene and in most cases once an alarm goes off the criminal will flee the scene and never return. If you are concerned about the safety of you and your family due to the growing rate of home invasions there is nothing better you could do than install a SafeTech home alarm system. For more information on how home alarms protect please contact us.

Also you can download this audio file and you can listen on your personal MP3 player.
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