Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues

Can coffee be used for crime preventionn? Halifax Regional Police believes that it can.

The police, along with Dalhousie University and Coburg Coffee in downtown Halifax have launched a pilot program that will see police warning and crime prevention tips listed on coffee sleeves. The goal is to get important messages out in a unique way that people will notice.

Crime Prevention Tips

“I’ve been challenged with new and innovative ways to get crime prevention messages out to the public” said Supt. Don Spicer, HRM public-safety officer. “We find brochures have simply become white noise and they get very little attention.”

The sleeves also have the Halifax Regional Police website address and Twitter feed listed on them as well as the phone number for Dalhousie University Security. Dalhousie and the police will split the cost of the sleeves. A similar campaign has been done in the past in Eugene, Oregon.

Crime prevention and safety tips listed on the sleeves include tips on changing behaviour to prevent breaking and entering and motor vehicle theft as well as information on liquor-related offences. The police also share tips and issue warnings on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. If the coffee sleeve plan is successful, the police plan to expand the idea to different areas.

Knowledge is incredibly important when you are dealing with crime prevention. Specific information on breaking news (such as a new scam or crime trend or a rash of break-ins in your neighbourhood) as well as general information on crime prevention are both vital tools in the fight against criminals. Being able to deliver this information in a convenient, easy-to-understand and excessible manner is key.

More on Canada’s Most Dangerous Cities

Last week Peace of Mind discussed Maclean’s national crime rankings study. The study was a very in-depth look at crime in Canada and it provided important information for both citizens and visitors. In terms of crime rankings, the territory of Nunavut saw the most violent crime in the country will the Northwest Territories saw the most non-violent crime. Prince Edward Island had the least violent crime and Ontario had the least non-violent crime in Canada.

Eight provinces and territories had crime rates that were higher than the national average: Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia. 41 cities had crime rates that are higher than the national average.

The Maclean’s study used 2010 crime rates per 100,000 for six different crimes: homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, vehicle theft, robbery and breaking and entering to prepare the rankings. 100 of the country’s largest cities and towns were ranked and each had a population of at least 10,000 people. The study found that there has been a decline in the overall reported crime in Canada and that 38 of Canada’s 100 largest cities went an entire year without recording a homicide. This includes Windsor, Ontario and West Vancouver, British Columbia. The city of Levis, Quebec hasn’t recorded a murder since 2002.

Canada’s largest city, Toronto, received an overall crime ranking of 52. This is the same position that the city was ranked in in 2000. For more crime statistics and information on how you can obtain SafeTech’s crime report, please see the crime report section below or contact us.

Violent Home Invasion in Toronto

A 53-year-old man has been arrested by Toronto police after a violent home invasion near Bloor West Village. The man allegedly broke into a home armed with a knife and hammer. Inside the home was a 64-year-old woman and her 89-year old mother.

It is reported that the man slashed the 64-year-old with a knife and demanded money from the residents. He then left the home with an undisclosed amount of money. The woman was treated in hospital for her wound and the mother became ill during the alleged attack. She was also sent to hospital.

The man is being charged with robbery, aggravated assault, weapons dangerous and forcible confinement. He was captured by police after a tip was provided by the public.

Home invasions can be incredibly dangerous and terrifying for everyone involved. There are a few security tips that you can use to reduce the risk of a home invasion.

• Always lock your doors, windows and garage with secure locks. Use dead bolts on doors whenever possible. Consider installing bars and gates on your windows. Also make sure that the door, door frame and hinges are strong enough that they cannot be easily damaged.
• Install a peephole and use it to check who is at the door before answering it for anyone.
• Never open the door for a stranger.
• Never talk to a stranger through a partially opened door or a screen door. Always leave the door locked as a home invader can easily break through a screen door or partially opened door.
• Call 911 immediately if you feel that someone is threatening you or trying to entire your home illegally.
• Practice an escape plan that you and your family can use in the event of an emergency.

Masked Bandits Steal Cell Phones

Armed criminals in North Vancouver and neighbouring communities have been holding up and robbing Rogers Wireless stores of mobile phones. In a recent incident four masked men burst into a Rogers store demanding that staff hand over a number of smartphones. One of the men was armed with a gun.

Once the bandits received the phones, one of them pepper sprayed a staff member before fleeing the scene in a car. North Vancouver RCMP say that Rogers Wireless stores in nearby Coquitlam and Richmond have also been robbed by similar groups of men.

Police have not confirmed if there is a connection between the different incidents.

The employees at the North Vancouver store were treated for their injuries at the scene. Police are currently examining forensic and video evidence taken from the store in order to determine more information about the criminals.

Video surveillance is an incredibly powerful tool that is often used by law enforcement officials for a wide variety of reasons. For more information on video surveillance cameras and security cameras, please visit our website.

SafeTech’s 2012 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 2012 City Crime Report. Use the 2012 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 2012, 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.com 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 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!

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

MacLean’s magazine has released their annual report on the Most Dangerous Cities in Canada.

The report outlines the most dangerous cities as well as the safest cities in the country. It ranks cities based on a number of characteristics and the cities are broken down into a number of categories, including aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, breaking and entering, auto theft and sexual assault. The magazine also ranks the cities overall. The report was released in December 2011 and it uses 2010 statistics.

Prince George, British Columbia is the most dangerous city in Canada according to the ranking. It ranks number one in both violent crime and non-violent crime. The second of the most dangerous cities in the country is also located in British Columbia: Victoria, BC. While Victoria is listed as second overall, it ranks fourth in violent crime and sixth in non-violent crime.

The safest city in the country is Caledon, Ontario. It ranks 100th overall in crime. It’s rate of non-violent crime is 100th as well and the city’s rate of violent crime is ranked 86th in the country.

The city you are most likely to suffer an aggravated assault in in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan followed by Regina, Saskatchewan. The report names Saskatchewan the “most dangerous province in Canada.” One of the most dangerous cities in terms of robbery is Winnipeg, Manitoba. The city had 2000 robberies in 2010 and the odds of being a victim were 1 in 342. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Montreal, Quebec, Regina, Saskatchewan and Victoria, British Columbia round out the top five most dangerous cities in Canada where the most robberies occur.

Canada’s most dangerous city in terms of homicide was Prince George, BC and you are most likely to have your car stolen in Joliette, Quebec and the one of the most dangerous cities in terms of sexual assault is Saint John, New Brunswick.

You are most likely to have your home broken into in Belleville, Ontario. This city has the highest rate of breaking and entering in Canada. The second highest rate of breaking and entering is in Prince George, BC. Langley Township, BC, Chilliwak, BC and Kelowna, BC are the final three most dangerous cities in the top five. The city with the fewest number of breaking and entering cases is South Simcoe, Ontario.

Toronto Police Search For “Two Face Bandit”

Toronto police are asking for the public’s help in itracking down a man the call the “Two Face Bandit”.

They’ve released surveillance camera footage of the man, who is wanted in connection with a bank robbery in the Scarborough area of the city. Police say they have found a person of interest in the case, but they are hoping that the surveillance photos can help identify the person and lead police in the right direction.

On October 7, 2011, the suspect held up a Scotiabank branch in the Steeles Avenue and Kennedy Road area. He was armed with a handgun and was wearing a “grandfather mask” to conceal his identity. He demanded that the bank teller fill up his duffel bag with money. The suspect fired the gun into the ceiling of the bank after becoming frustrated that the bank staff was taking too long to give him the money.

The person of interest was noticed a few days later when someone tried to deposit one of the marked bills from the robbery into a change machine at a car wash near Warden Avenue and Danforth Road.

“I hope that, with the media’s assistance, a member of the public will identify this person of interest and contact Crime Stoppers or members of the Hold Up Squad with a name of the individual to point us in the right direction,” said Staff Insp. Mike Earle of Toronto Police Services.

Security cameras are often used by police to identify criminals, determine what exactly has occurred at a crime scene and it is also used as evidence to charge and prosecute people. Installing security cameras in your home or business is an excellent way to protect your property.

Poker Champion Assaulted In Home Invasion

In December 2011, 2010 World Series of Poker champion Jonathan Duhamel was robbed and assaulted by two people outside his home in Montreal, Quebec. His former girlfriend was later charged in participating in the plot to have Duhamel assaulted and robbed.

On December 21, Duhamel opened the door to his condo when someone knocked. At that point he was attacked by two men who forced themselves into his home. Duhamel was tied up, beaten and threatened by the home invaders. He was also robbed of a Rolex watch, his World Series of Poker bracelet and $160,000 in cash. The bracelet is estimated to be worth approximately $40,000.

“Two men broke into my house and I was physically assaulted and robbed. After being threatened with death and having given them everything I had, I was bound and hit repeatedly in the face and body before my attackers left,” Duhamel said.

In addition to his ex-girlfriend, three men were also charged in the case. Two have been denied bail, including the ex.

This situation reinforces the fact that you should always be careful about who you open your door to. It is always safer to check through a peephole before opening the door and to ask the visitor to identify him or herself before answering. If you live in an apartment or condo, do not allow strangers into your building even if they call you directly and ask you to allow them.

How To Burglar-Proof Your Windows

Criminals often use the path of least resisitance when they break into a home. In many cases, this path is through a window. However, there are several things that you can do to protect your windows from such damage. Here are a few tips for burglar-proofing your windows.

Lock your windows. Many people do not lock their windows when they have them closed. This is especially true for second-floor windows. Burglars often use ladders or other tools to climb to the second storey of a house since a large percentage of people do not lock these windows. Don’t let your home have this weak point.

If your home has any sliding windows, make sure that they are secured in a manner that makes them very difficult to slide open from the outside. You can install latches such as those found on casement windows that make them very difficult to slide open from the outside.

It is important to note that you should always be able to open any bedroom windows easily from the inside. This is important in case there is an emergency and people need to evacuate the home quickly. Installing bars on your windows is another excellent way to keep your home safe but, again, be sure that all bedroom windows are easy to open from the inside. There are window bars available that can be easily removed from the inside, but that are very difficult to remove from the outside. Consider using these bars on your bedroom windows.

Some people do not wish to install window bars because they feel that their home will look uninviting with them installed. This may have been true in the past, but modern window bars come in a wide variety of appealing styles that actually add beauty to your home. Visit our security bars section for more information.

Using reinforced glass, plexiglass or other difficult to break glass types can protect your home as well. Finally, be sure to confirm that your window frame is strong and not damaged. Criminals can take advantage of weak frames by simply prying the frame off of your home and entering through the windows that way.

SafeTech’s 2012 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 2012 City Crime Report. Use the 2012 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 2012, 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 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

Stay Safe Shopping Online: Avoid Common Scams

Online stores offer a convenient, easy-to-use and generally safe way to shop. This is why online shopping grows in popularity each year. However, it’s important to note that you’ll still need to take some precautions when purchasing items online to avoid common scams.

First of all, in order to avoid common scams, you should always take note of which website you are on and ensure that this is the website you actually mean to visit. Criminals sometimes purchase domain names that are similar to official online stores in hopes of catching some people unaware. Misspellings and other variations can be used to trick someone into giving their payment information to the wrong people. These fradulent sites often look very convincing, so pay close attention. In the same sense, do some research into a company before you enter your credit card information on their website. Large, well-known retailers likely won’t steal your information but a smaller, unknown merchant just might. Before you give anyone your financial information, make sure you know who they are and that you have verified that they can be trusted.

You will also need to make sure that your computer’s security software is up to date. Some malicious programs track any information you enter into your web browser, including credit card information and website passwords. This is why it is so important to regularly check your computer for malware, spyware and viruses and to keep these security programs current.

If you are shopping via online auction sites or online classified websites, you will need to take several other precautions. First of all, if a deal found online seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of someone who is selling items at very low prices or selling items that would be incredibly difficult to find in your area. Ask several questions about the item beforehand and if something seems wrong about the situation, trust your instincts. If you are shopping on a website that allows customers to rate the sellers, check out all feedback that has been left for the seller and look for any red flags.

If you are able to meet the seller in person in order to inspect the item before you pay for it, you should probably do so. However, when meeting someone in person you should not go alone. You should also always meet in a public place where other people will be around, such as a food court, busy coffee shop or other similar location. There are many instances of people setting up in person meetings in order to rob potential buyers of their money.

Before you buy from any online retailer, make sure that you check their privacy policy to verify how they will use your information. You will also want to check to make sure their payment system is secure and that the website itself is stable, safe and free of pop-ups or any other types of spyware. Stay safe with our tips on how to avoid common scams.

Common Scams & How To Avoid Them

The new year is upon us and many people are ready to start the year with a fresh new attitude. Unfortunately some people take advantage of the generous nature of this season. This time of year is quite popular with those who hope to scam and swindle.

You may be trying to be more generous and helpful this year, but you should remember that not everyone shares your kind attitude. Watch out for some of these common scams.

Beware of offers that are too good to be true. There have been many recent accounts of people receiving calls from unknown numbers and being asked for personal information, especially around the holiday season. For instance, a woman in Columbus, Ohio recently received a call from someone who told her that she had won a $100 gift card. However, the caller insisted that that the woman agree to pay to ship the card to her address. The caller would not provide a contact phone number or any additional information. If you receive an unsolicited call from anyone asking for personal information or financial over the phone, do not give it to them. Always verify who is calling before accepting any offers. Ask the caller for a number where you can reach them, hang up, do some research and call back later.

Scammers also frequently offer deals through social networks such as Facebook. Again, do not provide any personal information to anyone that you have not researched and verified extensively. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Fake charities are another way that people take advantage of the holiday season in order to scam innocent people. Some criminals visit homes or telephone people and pretend to be a charity asking for donations. Many people feel generous during the holiday season and this scam exploits that fact. Do not donate to any organization without first fully verifying exactly who the charity is and that they are in fact an official charity.

You should also be on the lookout for New Year’s ecards that arrive in your email inbox. Make sure that you double check the sender and that you confirm the card is coming from a legitimate website before opening it. Viruses and spyware can be disgused as ecards.

The generous spirit of the new year is a great thing. However, you still need to be careful and protect yourself. If you suspect that you are being scammed, alert the appropriate authorities right away.

Protect Your Financial Information

A lot of money has been spent over the last few months. With the holiday season and the new year upon us, the malls have been pretty busy. That means a lot of trips are made to the ATM, a lot of credit and debit cards are swiped and a lot of online transactions take place. Unfortunately, this means that there are more opportunities than ever to have your financial information stolen.

Whenever you pay using credit or debit, do not let your card out of your sight. A reputable store shouldn’t need to take your card away for any reason. You should be able to see the entire transaction take place easily. Also, you should always make sure to shield your PIN from anyone standing by, including store employees. Sometimes this feels awkward, but it is an excellent way to keep yourself secure.

You should be alert of your surroundings at all time. Keep your credit cards and debit cards inside your wallet and keep your wallet in your front pants pocket if at all possible. If you carry your wallet in a bag, keep it close to your body and do not hang it loosely from a strap. You should also only bring the cards that you are going to use with you when you shop. There is no need to risk losing everything at once. Do not keep a written copy of your PIN with your cards for any reason. If your wallet is lost or stolen, a criminal can use this information to steal from you.

You should also make a point to monitor your credit card balance and bank account regularly. If you are not already signed up for online banking, you should consider doing so even if you only use the service to watch your balances. Closely watching your accounts on a regular basis will allow you to see exactly what is happening at any time. If you notice any suspicious behaviour or incorrect purchases, you can alert your financial institution immediately.

In addition, you should photocopy or otherwise record all of the information that you keep in your wallet. Store this copy in a safe place such as a safety desposit box. If your wallet is ever lost or stolen it is much easier to cancel your cards or activate new ones if you have this information.

How Cyber-Bullying Affects Children & What You Can Do About It

Cyber-bullying is just as dangerous as real life bullying. Cyber-bullying is teasing, taunting, insulting, threatening, harassing or humiliating someone through the Internet and mobile phones. It can include posts on social networks, text messages, emails, instant messages and more.

According to a University of Toronto study, 94% of parents and 98% of teachers feel that cyber-bullying is a problem. The 2008 study also found that half of the yong people surveyed had reported being cyber-bullied.

Cyber-bullying is dangerous because, while the bullying itself doesn’t cause physical harm, it can be relentless and also anonymous. This creates a fearful situation for children and it makes it difficult for children to trust anyone. It can also seriously harm a child’s self esteem. There are unfortunately been several high profile cases of children and teenagers who have committed suicide after being cyber-bullied.

So what can parents do about cyber-bullying?

First of all, you have to teach your children that they shouldn’t say anything on the Internet that they wouldn’t say in real life. Tell them not to release private details online and not to engage in fights or arguments. Anything that they wouldn’t want the whole world to read should not be posted on the Internet. Remind them that witnessing cyber-bullying and not doing anything about it is just as bad as the actual bullying. Let them know that they can come to you if they are bullied or they see someone else being bullied.

It’s important to create an open environment with your children so that they will feel comfortable coming to you for help or advice. Many children do not tell their parents about cyber-bullying because they worry about getting in trouble or punished. Sometimes children who are bullied do not let their parents know because they are afraid of losing computer or cell phone privileges.

You should also teach your children how to react to a cyber-bully. They should leave the website or social networking platform they are on as soon as they start being bullied. They should also block the sender from sending them additional messages and save any harassing messages they receive. They should then talk to a trusted adult right away. If your child tells you that he or she is being bullied online, try to talk to the bully’s parents and/or school officials if possible. You also may want to discuss the situation with local police.

SafeTech’s 2012 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 2012 City Crime Report. Use the 2012 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 2012, 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 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!

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

In 2012 Resolve To Improve Security

If you haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution yet, consider improving your security as your goal for 2012. Keeping your home, business, belongings and family safe is a great way to kick off the new year!

There are many easy ways to improve security of your home or business. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve security and keep your property safe is to install proper lighting in key locations. Criminals often wait for darkness and they try to avoid being seen while they commit their crimes. Lightning eliminates this factor and makes it much more difficult for someone to break into your home, garage or office unseen. Motion-activated lighting is a great investment that will improve security for yourself and your family a great deal. These lights turn on whenever motion is detected nearby. Consider installing motion-sensitive lights in areas where criminals may try to hide, such as over your garage door. Not only will the lights make it easier to see potential intruders, but they could also scare some burglars away.

You should consider installing lighting above all entry points, including all windows and doors. These lights can be motion-activated as well. Placing lights around the perimeter of your property as well as near your driveway and walkway is also a good idea. Lights near a walkway will allow you to see if anyone is hiding in wait for you when you get home. They will also illuminate your walkway which will make it easier for you to avoid tripping hazards.

Another key to improving your security that would greatly help your 2012 resolution to stay safe is installing strong locks on all of your doors and windows. Exterior doors should always be locked with a high quality deadbolt. Deadbolts make your doors much more difficult to penetrate than other types of locks. Adding a security chain helps as well. Make sure that all of your windows lock properly. Remember that the door or window is only as strong as its weakest point. Door jams, hinges and window frames should all be reinforced. The strongest lock in the world won’t help you if your door can be easily removed from the hinges. In order to improve security, don’t forget to secure your garage door as well. Not only are valuables frequently kept in the garage, but criminals often break into garages to find tools (hammers, shovels, etc.) that can be used to help them break into the rest of your house.

If you don’t already have a home security system or a business security system installed, 2012 is the time to get one. Security technology is more powerful, more user-friendly and more affordable than ever before. Security Systems with 24-hour monitoring features can protect your home or business at all times and immediately alert you and the appropriate authorities if a break-in takes place. More information on alarm system monitoring is available here.

One of the best ways to improve security, protect your property and to deter criminals is to install security cameras. Surveillance cameras make it possible for you to watch your property at all times. It is even possible to keep track of what’s going on in your home or office via your smartphone! This means you can literally be anywhere in the world but still have the peace of mind that your home is safe. More on security cameras.

How Medical Alarms Save Lives

If you or a loved one has difficultly getting around or has a medical condition that requires increased care, it’s important to consider a medical alarm.

Medical emergency alarm systems allow for 24-7 protection and support from anywhere in your home and even the area outside your home. If you are a senior, have difficulty moving around or have a medical condition, a medical emergency alarm could save your life. Medical alarms also provide comfort and security for loved ones who worry about the health and safety of their relatives and friends. With a emergency medical alarm you are just a button push away from help at all times.

Unfortunately, sometimes the elderly can slip and fall. In some cases they will be injured in the fall or just unable to get back to their feet. A person who lives by himself or herself could end up lying on the floor, possibly in pain, for a very long time before anyone notices that something is wrong. There are stories of people who slipped on the steps outside their home in the winter and remained in the cold for hours before anyone was aware of them. This doesn’t have to be the case. Emergency alarms give seniors, as well as those with medical conditions or disabilities, the freedom to live independently and the security to do so safely.

Seniors can suffer serious injury if they slip and fall. If they are not checked by a doctor in adequate time, the injury can become worse. Even·someone is not injured in a fall,·a person·can end up losing confidence after falling. It’s not uncommon for someone·to·have feelings of fear and doubt after a fall that he or she had difficulty getting up from. With a medical alarm, you don’t have to be afraid and you don’t have to worry about being alone. Help is available at any time with the simple push of a button.

Medic

al alert pendants are compact, lightweight and water-proof. That means they can easily be worn at all times on the wrist or neck. They can even be worn in the shower where a lot of slips and falls take place! If you are worried about falling or having a medical emergency occur with no one around to help you or if you worry about a loved one who lives alone, a medical alarm is the solution. Medical alarms save lives. With the push of a button the central monitoring station is notified for the problem and the appropriate authorities are dispatched. This immediate response could save your life or the life or your loved one.

More information on medical alarms.

Safety Tips Before You Head On Vacation

Planning on getting away from the cold and dreary winter months this year? A trip to a warmer climate can be relaxing and refreshing. However, you don’t want to spend you time worried about home security, do you? Here are·a few simple tips to increase the security of your home while you’re on vacation and give yourself some additional peace of mind.

First of all, you may be tempted to yet your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks know that you will be away. However, publicly broadcasting that you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time is a bad idea. Even if you have your privacy settings set so that only people you trust can see your message, privacy settings are not always airtight and “friends of friends” may be able to see that you’re going to be away. These “friends” may not be as trustworthy as your real friends. Many police forces discourage posting vacation details online for this reason. Let your real friends know that you’ll be away via email, phone call or in person.

There are some telltale signs that you’re not home: Your mail is piling up, your driveway isn’t being shovelled and all of the lights in your home are turned off, for example. Make sure you solve all of these problems before you head off on your vacation. You can have the post office hold your mail for you if you’re going to be out of town. You can put any newspaper subscriptions on hold as well. You may want to have someone come by and remove fliers that have been dropped off as well. Consider having a trusted friend or a snow removal service come by and shovel for you when it’s needed. Putting your lights on timers·can give your home a more “lived in” appearance.

Don’t forget to lock your doors and windows securely while you are away from home. Many people forget to do this and leave their property vulnerable. The same goes for setting your alarm system. Make sure you activate it properly before you take off on vacation. You can even monitor some alarm systems with your cell phone or laptop computer so you can keep track of what’s happening at your home while you’re sitting on the beach. That’s peace of mind!

Party Safety Tips

Planning on hosting a party to celebrate the new year? While the end of December is popular for parties, many people like to bring friends and family together in January to celebrate the new year once the busy holiday season has slowed down. This is a great idea, however, it’s also important that you have a safe party and that you’re a responsible host. This way you can ensure that everyone at your party has a great time and that they all get home safely. Here are a few tips for hosting a safe party. We can help improve security for yourself and your family.

The first thing you should do if you are planning on having a party is make it safe for your guests to get to your home. This means that you should ensure all snow and ice is cleared from your driveway, sidewalk and front steps before everyone arrives. You don’t want to have someone slip and fall on the way into your home. In the same sense, you should make sure that you have a safe spot for your guests to place wet boots, shoes and clothing. You don’t want a puddle forming at your door as the snow melts inside. This could be a serious slipping hazard.

Make sure that your guests have a safe place to park their cars. You may not have room in your driveway for everyone’s vehicles, so check to make sure that it is legal to park on the street before allowing any guests to do so. You’ll want to make sure that your guests park in a well-lit area as well to reduce the chance of theft.

Be on the lookout for “party crashers” or any other uninvited guests. Criminals sometimes use parties to get inside a home and steal items while the host is distracted. Never allow an unknown person inside your home unless he or she is with one of your guests.

If you have pets, you may want to consider keeping them in a separate room away from the party. This will help keep guests who are afraid or allergic at ease. It also keeps your pet safe from the number of people who will be coming in and out of your home (and possibly leaving the front door open) Check on your pet every so often to make sure that everything is fine.

Always have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available and, if you are serving alcohol, it helps to serve it yourself or have a trustworthy person act as the bartender rather than leaving alcohol out for your guests. This will allow you to monitor how much people are drinking and prevent any underage guests from consuming alcohol. You should also make sure that you have plenty of food available so that no one drinks on an empty stomach. Ask your guests if they have any food allergies and avoid foods that could be dangerous or even deadly. There are many ways to improve security.

Have the contact information for a number of local taxi companies available in case a guest drinks too much. If any of your guests are planning on driving home, talk with them first and make sure that it is safe to do so. If anyone seems drunk or if anyone has had a great deal to drinke, do not let them drive. Remember, it is always better to be cautious than to allow someone to drink and drive. Someone who is drunk may not always seem drunk at first, so ask how many drinks your guest has had and be safe. If your guest does not have a designated driver and does not want to take a cab home, offer to let him or her sleep on your couch for the night. Never let anyone drink and drive.

SafeTech’s 2012 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 2012 City Crime Report. Use the 2012 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 2012, 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 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!

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

Protecting Your Property While You’re Away

The holiday season typically involves a lot of traveling. Whether you’re heading to stay with your family for a few days, taking a trip with your loved ones or just spending the day out shopping, you’ll need to make sure that you protect your property while you are away. Read our holiday safety tips to stay safe.

It’s important that you avoid letting people know that you are not at home. Do not post on social networks that you will be taking a vacation. Have a trusted friend or relative pick up your mail or – better yet – ask the post office to hold your mail. Depending on where you live, you may see snow fall. That means you will have to get someone to shovel your snow and sidewalk while you are away from home. You could ask a friend or neighbour to do it, or you could hire someone. There are many ways to improve holiday safety.

Motion-activated lights and lights that are on timers are another great way to make your home look occupied when it is actually not. You can put other devices, such as televisions or audio players, on timers as well if you’d like.

If you want to keep an eye on your home while you’re away, security cameras are the perfect tool. You can even find surveillance cameras that can be monitored over the Internet. That means you will be able to see what is going on insider your house from anywhere with an Internet connection. You can even watch your home via your smart phone!

In order to improve holiday safety, you’ll also want to make sure that you properly activate your security system. Make sure that everything is working properly in regards to your alarm system before you head out on vacation. If there are any problems, contact your alarm system provider as soon as you can.

Some businesses shut down for a while during the holiday season. If you’re planning on keeping your doors closed for a few days, you will want to ensure that your business is safe while you are away.

Consider hiring a security guard service to watch over your company during the closure. You may be interested in a mobile patrol unit that periodically stops by your business to check for any suspicious activity. These security guards ensure that all parking areas, entrances and buildings are secure and immediately contact authorities if there is an issue.

Holiday Safety Tips: Staying Safe While Shopping

Holiday shopping can be stressful. In a crowded, frantic and incredibly busy shopping mall, you may be tempted to focus all of your attention on getting what you need and getting out as soon as possible. However, many criminals count on the crowds to protect them while they commit crimes.

That means you’ll have to focus some of your attention at keeping yourself and your belongings safe when you hit the mall this holiday season.

When you arrive at the mall, make sure to park in a well-lit and visible area. Always make sure that you lock the doors to your car and that you hide all valuables. This is true even if you’re only planning on staying in the mall for a few minutes. If possible, shop before dark or visit the mall with a friend or relative. If you see anyone suspicious in the parking lot, stay away from them and alert security of anyone who may be a threat.

Inside the mall, make sure that you keep all personal belongings close by. Keep your money and other valuables in a bag that hangs close to your body, not one that dangles from a long strap. Keep your wallet in your front pants pocket if at all possible. If you’re carrying shopping bags, try to consolidate your items into a few bags. This will make them easier to handle and you’ll be less likely to misplace anything or have difficultly walking. If you end up making more purchases than you can carry comfortably, ask the store if they can keep some items on hold for you until you return.

Try not to bring too much cash or too many valuables with you if at all possible. Only carry what you need. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will also make your shopping trip more effective.

Stay alert at all times. Many criminals use distractions to swipe your belongings or your money. Sometimes they’ll wait for you to be preoccupied with another activity and sometimes they’ll create the distraction themselves. Don’t get caught up in a distraction and forget to look out for your things.

If you are shopping with children, make sure that they are supervised at all times. Ensure that your children do not talk to strangers and do not leave them alone while you run errands. Make sure that your children know exactly what to do should they become separated from you. Children should know how to get to the mall security area and they should be able to identify police and security guards easily. If your child has a cell phone, make sure he or she knows how to use it.

When you return to your car, keep your eyes peeled. Have your car keys out before you leave the mall so that you do not have to fumble around for them outside. Again, if you see anyone suspicious, stay away. Contact security to help you if necessary.

Decorating Tips & Precautions

It’s the time of year when many people start to put up holiday decorations. However, when you’re busy hanging lights and decorating your home, make sure you take safety into account. Decorating for the holidays doesn’t sound dangerous, but it sometimes can be. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 12,500 people are treated for injuries related to holiday decorations each year.

This includes falls, cuts, shocks and other injuries that often require a trip to a hospital emergency room. You don’t want to spend the holidays in a hospital bed or in pain, so use caution.

If you’re setting up a Christmas tree, make sure that you keep it away from heat sources, radiators, fireplaces and heaters. When choosing a live tree, make sure that it is fresh and green. If you’re going with an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as “fire resistant.”

When hanging up lighting, either inside or outside, only use lights that have been tested and certified by a testing laboratory, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). These lights meet certain safety standards. Always check your lights for frayed cords or other damage before hanging them up. If your lights are damaged, replace them. Check that all outdoor lights are specifically marked as “Outdoor lights” and do not use lights outside that are not. Also, make sure not to overload extension cords or outlets. This can be a huge fire hazard.

If you are using candles as part of your holiday decorations, be sure to place them in a safe area and away from flammable material. Never leave candles unattended and be sure to place them out of reach of children.

Winter Driving Tips

If you live in an area that sees ice and snow during the winter, you know that driving in these conditions can sometimes be a challenge. However, if you take a few precautions, you’ll be able to survive the season safely.

Be sure that your vehicle is in good condition before the winter weather arrives. You may wish to perform a full maintenance check-up on your car. Make sure that your battery, tires, ignition system, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, exhaust system and all belts and hoses are in good condition before the worse of the season strikes.

You should strongly consider placing snow tires on your vehicle during the winter. While “all-season” tires may be good enough in some situations, winter tires provide additional traction on snowy or icy roads. Having snow tires on your car will make steering, braking and handling your vehicle easier and safer. Installing winter tires on all four wheels is your best option. Never mix tires of different sizes, tread or construction.

Clear all snow and ice off of your entire vehicle before you start driving. This includes your windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for all of the fog to clear from your windows before you start driving. Never drive while your vision is obstructed.

Check weather and traffic conditions before you head out on the road. If heavy snow, freezing rain, poor visibility or icy conditions are expected, consider not driving. If you cannot avoid the drive, be sure to always drive to the conditions. Stay on major roads whenever possible and keep an eye out for other vehicles. Make sure that you have enough fuel before heading out.

Pack a winter survival kit for your vehicle. The Canadian Automobile Association recommends that you keep the following items in your trunk:

• A shovel
• Sand or kitty litter
• Traction mats
• Tow chain
• A compass
• Cloth or paper towel
• Warning light or road flares
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Emergency food
• Booster cables
• Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Fuel line antifreeze
• Reflective vest

You should also keep road maps, a cellular phone, an ice scraper and brush, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a blanket inside your car in case of emergency.

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!

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!

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 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

Police Issue A Warning After Several Vancouver Purse Snatchings

How to prevent automobile theft? A series of recent thefts and purse snatchings have led to Vancouver police issuing a public warning. Recently there have been several purse snatchings as well as an unrelated series of thefts involving slashed tires and other activities meant to be distractions.

The purse snatching victims were all walking on the street or waiting at a bus stop when they were approached by a man and had their purses stolen. The man used a knife or other physical force during the thefts.

Police also warned of an unrelated rash of “distraction thefts.” At least two dozen of these thefts have taken place recently. Read our tips on how to prevent automobile theft. In most of the attacks, the criminals worked in groups. They pinpointed a specific person coming out of a bank, currency exchange or jewellery store and followed them until they left the premises. Then, some members of the group distracted the person while the others robbed them.

In a recent attack a woman returned to her car to find that she had a flat tire. A man approached her saying that he was going to help. Instead he smashed her window and stole her purse. He then jumped into a van driven by another man and left the scene. Vancouver police said that this incident was the 26th time in the past two years that a similar “tire slash” situation had been used to rob someone.

Police noted that flat tires are a rare occurence and that if you notice a flat tire while you are carrying a large amount of money or expensive purchases that you should call the police right away.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from becoming the victim of a purse snatching crime, or similar theft, or to prevent automobile theft.

You should always carry your purse, wallet or bag close to you and tucked away if possible. You may want to skip the purse all together if you can. You should only bring what you need with you as this will make it easier to carry your items discretely. It also helps to avoid carrying large sums of money if you can avoid doing so. If you feel that you are being followed or feel uncomfortable in a particular situation, try to get out of that situation as soon as possible. Cross the street or leave the area as soon as you can. Stay in well-lit and busy areas whenever possible.

If you are planning on withdrawing a large amount of money from the bank or going to make an expensive purchase, travel with with a friend or relative whenever you can. Criminals are much less likely to attack a pair than a single person.

Armoured Truck Robbed In Toronto

On Friday November 18 an amoured truck was robbed in Toronto. Two armed security guards were outside of a bank branch when they were approached by three armed men. The men stole the guards’ firearms and an undisclosed amount of cash while holding the guards at gunpoint. Nobody was injured in the robbery.

“It’s an organized job. There’s no doubt about it. These guys are armed and they’re confronting guards who are armed, which could end in a whole variety of different situations,” said Staff Insp. Michael Earl of the Toronto police.

The criminals escaped from the site in a U-Haul van that was driven by a fourth member of the group. The van’s license plate was covered up and the criminals were wearing ski masks to conceal their identities.

“A large quantity of money was taken” in the heist which took only “a matter of minutes, said Earl. “These guards were ambushed, right in the open.”

He also noted that there is no evidence that this was an inside job.

As the guards were robbed of their guns, police are concerned that the weapons may be used in future crimes. The police are asking for tips from the public. They are accepting tips by phone, text message or Facebook. You can submit a tip anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers.

Police noted that this robbery was much more organized than most and that they are currently reviewing surveillance footage in order to look for clues.

Video surveillance cameras can often provide law enforcement with crucial evidence that they can use to identify suspects as well as during court proceedings. For more information, please visit the security cameras section on our website.

Ontario Provincial Police List Simple Ways To Prevent Automobile Theft

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding drivers that there are a few simple things you can do to prevent your car, truck, van or all terrain vehicle (ATV) from being stolen.

The OPP states that their statistics show that many criminals choose to steal vehicles based on how easy they are to get into and steal. In most cases this means cars that have their doors unlocked and ATVs that have the keys in the ignitition.

The “Lock It Or Lose It” campaign is a crime prevention campaign that is aimed at educating the public and letting them know that there are simple things that can be done to prevent automobile theft. Here are a few tips from the OPP’s campaign:

• Always roll up your windows completely when leaving your car,
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Make sure that you lock your car doors whenever you leave it unattended.
• Make sure you put your keys in your pocket and not out where they are visible.

As a part of the program, police check vehicles that are parked in a variety of locations to ensure that the drivers who left them behind followed the appropriate precautions. The officers leave notes on the vehicles to either congratulate the owner for taking the appropriate precautions or to explain what can be done to keep the vehicle safe.

Automobile theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion a year. In addition, about half of all stolen vehicles are later used to commit a separate crime. Police stress that in the cases thieves usually look for the easiest car to steal as they do not care about anything other than transportation. Taking a few simple precautions to make your vehicle more difficult to steal can keep your vehicle safe and prevent automobile theft.

Be Aware of Holiday Scams

The holiday season is an incredibly busy time for most people. For many it also involves heading out to crowded stores and carrying expensive purchases around. It is also a time for giving. Unfortunately, some people see these circumstances as the perfect time to commit crimes and scams.

To avoid being scammed, the basic concept of not believing things that seem too good to be true is often a sound strategy. If anyone calls you stating that they need important details from you in order to award a holiday prize, make sure that you do not give away any information without verifying exactly who is calling. Think about whether or not what they are saying sounds realistic. If possible, ask for a phone number and tell the person that you will call them back. Look up the number online and verify that it actually belongs to the right organization before doing anything else.

Many other holiday scams take place online. If you find a website that is offering exceptionally good deals, do some groundwork to double check that they are legitimate. Again, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Other online scams come in the form of Craigslist, eBay or Kijiji deals. Some scam artists use these sites to attract victims. If you are buying an item online, research the dealer extensively and read all feedback available. A common scam is to take money from a person and never ship the items they paid for. Another trick is to offer to meet a buyer in person and then rob them of their money. If you ever meet someone in person to pick up an item, meet in a public place and bring someone with you to be safe.

In addition, many people take advantage of the spirit of the season to create fake charities and steal money. Before donating money to any charity, verify the agency with the Better Business Bureau, the IRS or the Canada Revenue Agency, depending on where you are located.

Keeping your wits about you and doing research before parting with your money can keep you from becoming the victim of a holiday scam.

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 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

Armed Robbery At A Vancouver Country Club

Witnesses of the Vancouver robbery said it was like a scene from a movie.

A masked man waving a handgun burst into an auction that was taking place at a Vancouver country club. He screamed that everyone should get on the floor and threatened that anyone who tried to use a cell phone would be killed.

“[He] broke in screaming that he was going to shoot us all if we didn’t get down and that nobody should move,” said Cindy Bryson, who was at the auction.

“He shouts ‘Get on the [expletive] floor! I’m going to kill you all! Where’s the [expletive] jewelry!?” said Frank Quinn who was attending the auction with his wife. “It was terrifying.”

What Do We Know About Vancouver Robbery

The robbery lasted several minutes and the armed robber left with a bag of expensive jewelry. It is estimated that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewelry. The robber then drove away in a car that police later recognized as stolen.

Some believed that there was not enough security at the event which made it vulnerable to the robber. What people say about Vancouver robbery

“I think the security protocols were completely inadequate,” said Bryson. “You’re talking about millions worth of goods.”

Security is important at any event where a number of people will be in attendance, however it becomes even more important when there are valuables present. Having an appropriate number of trained security guards is incredibly vital to protect the people and property at an event.

SafeTech Alarm Systems offers security guard services that can ensure that your next event is safe and secure.

How To Be A Good Witness

The Calgary Police Service and the Alberta Motor Association have started the “Be A Good Witness” campaign in order to educate citizens about what information police look for from witnesses and how to report crimes as well as to encourage people to report suspicious behaviour to the authorities.

According to Statistics Canada, 69 percent of crimes go unreported in Canada. The most common reason for letting a crime go unreported is that people think the situation “isn’t important enough” to report.

However police say that sometimes the smallest details can be incredibly important to solving a crime. This is why it’s so important that people know what sort of information can help police and how to properly report it.

The three basic rules of being a good witness are “Observe. Record. Report.” People should always be on the lookout for suspicious people or activities, vehicles that pass by frequently or are suspiciously parked, strangers in the neighbourhood and yelling or screaming that could indicate a fight or a domestic abuse situation.

You are encouraged to take note of key details of any suspicious people or vehicles including gender, age, ethnicity, build, height, weight and clothing (for people) and make, model, year, colour, license plate number and direction of travel (for cars.) These details can help police establish the circumstances surrounding a crime.

It is very important that you remember everything you can about a crime or a suspicious situation. Writing down the details immediately can help ensure that you don’t forget any key information.

If you witness a crime in progress or if there is an emergency, call 911 right away. To report suspicious activity, please call the non-emergency line for your local police. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

Bank Robberies in Toronto & Montreal

An armed guard was shot during a bank robbery in Montreal. Two suspects with guns ambushed two security guards during a bank robbery on October 27. One of the guards was shot in the leg.

The two alleged criminals then left the bank and jumped into a car where a third person was waiting for them. The two guards were transporting money at the time of the crime.

Police say that this was the first robbery of this nature in this neighbourhood in about ten years. They are currently checking surveillance footage for more details.

“There are camera outside the mall, inside the mall and inside the bank that investigators will have a look at to try to help them through the investigation,” said Constable Yannick Ouimet, police spokesperson.

In Toronto, police have arrested a man who was wanted for 16 bank robberies between August 2009 and August 2011.

The so-called “Ray Ban Bandit” would usually wear sunglasses during his robberies. He now faces 18 robbery charges and one charge or wearing a disguise with intent.

Recent surveillance footage produced very clear images of the suspect. Police released this footage just a few days prior to the arrest, hoping that it would help them identify the suspect. This led to the tips police needed to identify and arrest the man.

Security footage is often used by police in order to identify suspects and prosecute them. Cameras offer incredible evidence that can be used in court as well. SafeTech offers both residential and commercial security cameras to keep your home or business safe.

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 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

Poppy Theft This Remembrance Day

How to fight crime using social media? How to protect yourself and your family? Sadly, leading up to this year’s Remembrance Day, there were several reports of people stealing poppy donation boxes in various cities.

A man in stole three poppy boxes from a pizza shop and two coffee shops. He eventually turned himself in to the police. A Hamilton man stole four boxes from various locations in the Hamilton area as well. He was arrested by police after a Crime Stoppers Tip came in. Another man in Windsor turned himself in after stealing a poppy box and replacing it with an empty one. No one knew that box had been switched until police reviewed the surveillance video. Boxes were also stolen in Orangeville, Ontario and North Vancouver, BC.

In many cases, these crimes were caught on security cameras and the footage has been used to identify and arrest the thieves.

Security cameras are incredibly valuable in the fight against crime. They give law enforcement officials with video evidence that a crime has actually taken place. They allow the viewer to see exactly what the crime was. They make it easier to identify the criminal. They also make it easier to convict criminals in court as they actually film the suspect committing the crime. Security cameras also act as a deterrent in some cases. Criminals are less likely to commit crimes if they know the crime will be caught on video. Read more on how to fight crime.

Businesses of all sizes can benefit greatly from security cameras. When police and other law enforcement officials are notified of a crime, one of their first questions is to see the surveillance footage. They recognize and fully understand how powerful security camera footage can be in all steps of a criminal investigation.

SafeTech Alarm Systems offers security cameras for homes and businesses that will keep you safe and secure.

Using Social Media To Fight Crime

Toronto Police are highlighting how social media helps them fight crime.

“Never before has technology made it easier for criminals to commit their criminal acts or for those of us that stand against crime to share the information to prevent those acts,” said Sgt. Tim Burrows of Toronto Police Services.

“The true secret of the use of social media doesn’t lie within the technology or the icon that identifies it. The true secret lies in the people that use the technology, the relationships that are built with the technology.”

Social media services are incredibly powerful when it comes to spreading messages and sharing information. Services like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube allow police to immediately share crime information with a wide audience. These services also make it easy for the public to provide tips directly to the police. It is possible to fight crime with social media.

For example, if police have video footage of a criminal, they can send the image out across social media networks and ask the public for help in identifying the criminal. Police can also use social media to find wittnesses or to clarify what actually happened at a crime scene.

Building relationships is another key to social media for police. By conversing with followers on Facebook or Twitter, police are no longer seen as a faceless and nameless people in uniforms. The social media services allow them to form bonds with the people they serve and this leads to greater trust and understanding on both sides.

For detailed information on crime and security, follow @safetech_alarms on Twitter, like SafeTech on Facebook or visit the SafeTech Alarms YouTube channel.

Lessons Learned From The Vancouver Riots

The Vancouver Stanley Cup riots took place in June of 2011, but police, city officials and the general public are still learning a great deal about the situation today.

The lead investigator looking into the riots recently stated that the city’s decision to allow a large number of people with alcohol into a small area was a serious problem and “a recipe for disaster.”

“Somebody in the city of Vancouver decided to, thought, it was a good idea to pack in 100,000-plus people in a confined area and allow them to have access to alcohol,” said Sgt. Dale Weidman of the Vancouver Police Department.

Weidman went on to state that this was not what police would call a “professional” riot where a small group of people planned the chaos in advance. This riot occured because of alcohol and people who made bad choices.

He also noted that Vancouver police received 5000 hours of video from security cameras and from the general public. During the 1994 riots police only received about 100 hours of footage.

Vancouver police used this footage to identify 313 separate “crime events” that took place during the riot. Some of these events involved hundreds of people. Weidman noted that “evidence is what puts people in jail, not just stories” so the video surveillance footage will be key in charging and prosecuting criminals.

SafeTech Alarm Systems recommends that all businesses install security cameras in order to catch criminals in the act. You can contact one of our loss prevention professionals to discuss how surveillance cameras can protect your business and which cameras will work best for you particular situation. We have over 20 years of experience in protecting people and property.

Man Gunned Down In Residential Vancouver Neighbourhood

A 29-year-old man was killed in a hail of bullets on Sunday November 6th. He had been linked to the “United Nations” gang and had several convictions for drug trafficking, fraud and possession of a firearm in the past.

He was shot and killed while walking his dog in the morning. Other residents were walking and cycling in the area but no one else was harmed. Vancouver police have said that this was a “targeted shooting.”

It was Vancouver’s 13th homicide of the year. Many nearby residents wittnessed the shooting and were shocked and frightened by it. Neighbours reported hearing six to 10 gun shots during the shooting.

Vancouver police asked areas businesses for any possible surveillance footage in order to help them solve the crime. The shooter was allegedly wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, according to witnesses.

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 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