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.

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  • And much more!


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SafeTech Alarm System 121 Willowdale, Suite # 202 North York, ON, M2N 6A3, Canada