Archive for April, 2012

On Monday, April 16, 2012, police arrested a man in connection with a historical sexual assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- the accused sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy between 1980 and 1982

Phil Watson, 62, of Bancroft, Ontario, has been charged with:

1) Indecent Assault Male

He is scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East, on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 1 p.m., room 407.

Police believe there may be more victims.

The accused travelled extensively around Ontario for his employment around the time of the alleged offence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

On Friday, April 27, 2012, and Sunday, April 29, 2012, members from 23 Division's Major Crime Unit executed two search warrants at 8 Westmore Drive, Dr Flea's International Flea Markets after a three-month investigation.

It is alleged that:

- 16 booths within the flea market were the target of a counterfeit investigation

- numerous counterfeit clothing, toys, handbags and wallets were seized

- the value of all the products is in excess of $1,000,000

Petr Bashmakov, 27, of Vaughan, has been charged with:

1. Knowingly Sell or Offer for Sale Infringing Copies of Works in Which Copyright Subsist

It is further alleged that:

- 5,359 fraudulent DVDs were seized from two flea market booths, with a value of $107,180

Zhi Yong Quan, 32, of Richmond Hill; Qin Shen, 18, of Markham; and Yu Lei, 22, of Hamilton, have each been charged with:

1. Knowingly Sell or Offer for Sale Infringing Copies of Works in which Copyright Subsist
2. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Stolen Goods Over
3. Possession of Proceeds of Crime

Zhi Yong Quan is additionally charged with Fail to comply Recognizance

The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

On Monday, April 30, 2012, all members of 32 Division concluded a week-long April Pedestrian Safety Campaign.

Pedestrian safety continues to be identified as a Toronto Police Service priority, with an increased focus on reducing injury and death to pedestrians through awareness, education and enforcement.

Over the duration of the campaign, a total of 698 tickets were issued.

- red/amber light − fail to stop: 6
- Improper left/right turns: 8
- disobeying stop signs: 45
- pedestrians failure to use a clearly marked crosswalk: 30
- pedestrians failing to properly cross roadways: 53
- parking offences for interfering with the safe use of pedestrian crosswalks, crossovers and school zones: 45

There were an additional 511 tickets for offences covering poor driving behaviour that had the potential to compromise the safety of pedestrians.

During the first quarter of 2012, 32 Division personnel investigated 465 motor vehicle collisions: 210 involved some form of injury, 45 involved a pedestrian, which accounts for almost 10% all collisions in 32 Division involving pedestrians. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities in 32 Division this year.

Collision analysis for the entire City of Toronto shows that, on average, 50 – 60% of all fatalities occur involve pedestrians. To date, 50% of all the fatalities that have occurred in 2012 involved pedestrians. Last year, 18 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 51% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto. All motorists, transit users, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, obey all traffic laws and be diligent when using our streets.

Geographically 32 Division encompasses the following area: Lawrence Avenue to the south, Steeles Avenue to the north, Bayview Avenue to the East and the railway right of way between Keele Street and Dufferin Street.

On Monday, April 30, 2012, all members of 32 Division concluded a week-long April Pedestrian Safety Campaign.

Pedestrian safety continues to be identified as a Toronto Police Service priority, with an increased focus on reducing injury and death to pedestrians through awareness, education and enforcement.

Over the duration of the campaign, a total of 698 tickets were issued.

- red/amber light − fail to stop: 6
- Improper left/right turns: 8
- disobeying stop signs: 45
- pedestrians failure to use a clearly marked crosswalk: 30
- pedestrians failing to properly cross roadways: 53
- parking offences for interfering with the safe use of pedestrian crosswalks, crossovers and school zones: 45

There were an additional 511 tickets for offences covering poor driving behaviour that had the potential to compromise the safety of pedestrians.

During the first quarter of 2012, 32 Division personnel investigated 465 motor vehicle collisions: 210 involved some form of injury, 45 involved a pedestrian, which accounts for almost 10% all collisions in 32 Division involving pedestrians. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities in 32 Division this year.

Collision analysis for the entire City of Toronto shows that, on average, 50 – 60% of all fatalities occur involve pedestrians. To date, 50% of all the fatalities that have occurred in 2012 involved pedestrians. Last year, 18 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 51% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto. All motorists, transit users, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, obey all traffic laws and be diligent when using our streets.

Geographically 32 Division encompasses the following area: Lawrence Avenue to the south, Steeles Avenue to the north, Bayview Avenue to the East and the railway right of way between Keele Street and Dufferin Street.

Protecting Your Property in Public

When many people think about security, they often think about protecting their homes and businesses from crime. It’s obviously important to keep criminals away from your home and home security systems are excellent ways to protect your property. Methods of protecting your home should certainly receive a great deal of attention. However, it’s also important to think about how you will protect yourself and your property when you are outside, away from home and in a public place. Recently three separate swarmings in Toronto led to police asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. In the swarmings, victims reported that they were surrounded by a number of people who threatened and robbed them. In one swarming four men wearing disguises approached a 19-year-old male. Two of the criminals grabbed the victim’s arms while the other two stole his backpack, glasses and other items from his pockets. In another case, a 21-year-old man was reportedly approached by two men wearing disguises and a third holding a handgun. They threatened him and forced him to give them his cell phone and his cash. In a third reported swarming, a 22-year-old male was surrounded by three men. They shoved and kicked him before leaving the scene with his cell phone. Several other, unrelated street robberies took place in Toronto recently. In one case, a 17-year-old male was arrested after he robbed several victims. The accused had approach victims with a weapon and demanded that they hand over their valuables. Cellular phones, personal music players, portable computers as well as purses, wallets and handbags are frequently targeted by thieves. These items are small enough that they can be carried easily, but they also are usually high in value. It is important that you protect yourself from thieves and criminals while you are outside in public. Read the rest of this article here.

Armed Bank Robbery in Toronto

Toronto Police are looking for two armed men who robbed a bank in the Etobicoke area of the city. The men were both wearing hoods and masks when they entered the Bank of Montreal branch at the corner of Lake Shore Boulevard and Parklawn Road. One of the men fired a shot into the air and ordered customers to the floor. He then guarded the door while the other man demanded money from the bank’s tellers. “The individual with the handgun remained near the door, keeping watch over the customers while pointing the firearm at the tellers. The other individual produced a bag and went to two tellers, demanding cash,” said Staff Insp. Mike Earl at a March 22nd press conference. The robbery took place on February 23rd. Police recently released security camera images in the hopes of identifying the suspects. “These individuals are urban terrorists. They need to be taken off the streets before another robbery like this occurs,” added Earl. Security cameras are incredibly important tools for law enforcement officials. They provide important video evidence that can be used to identify criminals, determine exactly what occurred at a crime scene and to apprehend criminals after a crime occurs. In many cases, security footage is one of the first things that police ask for when they arrive at a crime scene. SafeTech has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. For more information on monitored surveillance cameras or to speak with one of our loss prevention experts about how security cameras can help protect your home or business, please contact us today or visit our security cameras page for more detailed information.

Quick Summer Safety Tips

The warm weather is on its way and you may be looking forward to carefree summer days and long summer, warm nights spent outdoors. However, it’s important that you don’t neglect security and safety this summer. Gardening is a popular late spring/early summer activity and yard work needs to be done throughout the summer. It is important to take precautions when you are working on your garden or lawn. Check your lawn for any debris such as rocks, nails or broken glass. These items can seriously hurt you if they step on them. They can also get caught in lawn mowers and in other garden tools causing damage and potential injury. You’ll also want to look over all of your tools and ensure that they are in good working order before you use them. Always wear proper equipment, including proper shoes as well as gloves and safety goggles when necessary. If you are working outdoors, make sure to keep small children away from your tools and any other dangerous equipment. Put tools away immediately after you are done using them and place them out of your childrens’ reach. You may want to lock them up in a safe place to be sure. You also need to make sure that your children understand where it is safe to play and where it is dangerous. Children should certainly stay away from roads, as well as lakes and streams which can quickly become more dangerous than they initially appear. It can be tempting to leave your front door or windows wide open during the summer in order to enjoy the warm air and to keep your house cool. However, it’s important to make sure that you always lock your doors and windows when you leave your home. You can install window bars if you’d like to get some fresh air while still protecting your home. Make sure to close your windows and doors even if you are in the backyard. Criminals can break in through a front window and rob your home while you are spending time outside. For this reason, only leave windows open when you are nearby and aware of the situation and always lock your door. Make sure that you wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and that you drink plenty of water while you are outside. Make sure that you reapply sunscreen often. If you have small children, watch out for them as well. Ensure that they are protected and hydrated. In order to repel insects, use insect repellent that contains DEET.

RCMP Arrest Man after String of Robberies & Violence

The RCMP has arrested a man after a series of crimes in Western Canada. Crimes included an armed robbery in Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as ramming a police officer’s car in Alberta. In that situation, an RCMP officer stopped a white pick-up truck for speeding. The driver of the truck rammed into the officer’s car and drove away. The officer followed the truck. The truck eventually stopped, rammed the car again and drove away. The officer was injured in the attack, but released from hospital shortly afterward. Police say the truck was stolen from a business in Redcliffe, Alberta. The suspect was arrested a few days later in Rocky Mountain House. He was identified as Tyler Leeder, a 26-year-old man from Lethbridge, Alberta. As Leeder was considered armed and dangerous, Calgary police assisted RCMP officers by sending an armoured vehicle along to apprehend him. RCMP officers cornered Leeder in a local hotel and he was arrested about an hour later. A 17-year-old girl who was apparently traveling with Leeder was also arrested. She had been missing since August 2010 when she apparently ran off with Leeder. “There was yelling between the guy and the girl saying how much they loved each other and they will see each other soon,” said Matt Forseth who witnessed the arrest. “He took a big wad of cash and set it on fire and threw it out the door,” added Forseth. “He was just going insane, yelling anything and everything.” Police believe Leeder was responsible for armed robberies in Wadena and Invermay, Saskatchewan as well as a robbery in Summerset, Manitoba where he robbed a bank of an undisclosed amount of cash. He was also wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for a parole violation. “The girls had hit the automatic door locks on the front doors so that locked up, but he apparently got his money and ran out the back,” said Veronica Wolski, the village administrator in Invermay describing the robbery of a Royal Bank branch in Invermay.

Staying Safe at a Hotel

When you’re out of town for business or on vacation you may find yourself worrying about your home. You might be thinking about someone breaking into your house when you’re not around. You could be preoccupied with thoughts of a flood or fire happening without you knowing. Those are valid concerns and they should certainly be addressed by a strong home security and fire prevention system. However, you should also be thinking about your personal safety while you’re staying in your hotel. Some people think that they will be safe in a hotel because the lock on their door and the fact that the hotel has a concierge at the front desk. While those factors certainly help protect you, you also have to be careful about feeling “invincible” when you’re in a hotel. It’s important to keep your own safety and security as well as the security of any items in your room in mind when you’re staying at a hotel. Only take the electronic devices that you will actually need. These days it’s quite common to take a latop, tablet, smart phone, camera and many other electronic items when you travel. However, these items are expensive, lusted after by criminals and generally easy to steal. No one thinks twice if they see someone leaving a room with a laptop computer. When you travel, take only the items that you are actually going to use. You may not need to bring your computer or tablet with you at all. You can likely use your smart phone for email and accessing the Internet. If you don’t have a smart phone, many hotels have “business centres” where you can access the Internet. If not, there is probably an Internet cafe nearby somewhere. If you are traveling on business, for example, and you absolutely need to bring your laptop along, carry it with you or lock it up in your room somehow. Many hotels offer in-room safes. Click here to read the rest of this article.

Does Your Smoke Alarm Work?

Whether you live in a house, an apartment, a townhouse or a condominium, you more than likely have a smoke detector. Almost everyone does and in most areas it’s against the law to not have one. You likely know where your smoke detector is located, but do you know that it works? When is the last time you tested it out? A functioning smoke detector could be the difference between safety and tragedy. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, smoke detectors can reduce the risk of death from residential fires by as much as 50 percent. However, an estimated one-third of American households do not have a working smoke detector installed. Most smoke detectors have a “test” button on the unit so that you can tell if it is functioning correctly. You should never use a flame such as a candle, lighter or match to test a smoke detector. Test every smoke detector in your home each month to make sure that you are adequately protected. If your detector is not working, replacing the batteries may solve your problem. You should change smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. Some fire department recommend changing the batteries twice a year and daylight savings time is a good way to remember to do so. Whenever you change your clocks forward or back, make sure that you change the batteries in your smoke detector as well. Never remove batteries from a smoke detector without replacing them immediately. Some people take batteries out in order to use the batteries in other devices. Never do this. It can be incredibly dangerous. Make sure that you do not paint over your smoke detector as this could seriously decrease its use and possibly cause it to no longer function. To read more about smoke detectors, the number of options available to you and the importance of monitored smoke detectors click here.

Your Home is only as Strong as its Weakest Link

When you’re planning your home security system and implementing this plan, it’s important to consider all areas of your home. Criminals are often resourceful and will take the path of least resistance to burglarize a property. This is why it is so important to ensure that every link in your security system is strong and functioning properly. One area that people often neglect is the front door of the home. Yes, criminals often enter through windows or side doors, but the front door remains a very common entry point. In fact, many statistics show that the front door is the most common entry point for burglars. Not only should your front door be protected by your home security system, but it should als be strong enough that it cannot be tampered with easily. Most door manufacturers produce a variety of different front doors with varying strength. Solid wood doors and steel-edged doors typically perform better in tests than wood-edged doors or doors made from other materials. The door frame is also very important. Older door frames or door frames that are made from weaker materials can easily be damaged and broken by criminals armed with screwdrivers or crowbars. The strongest door in the world is nearly useless if you do not hang your door correctly from a strong frame. The type of lock on your door is also very important. Deadbolt locks are by far the best choice for locking exterior doors. Make sure that you choose a strong deadbolt from a reliable manufacturer. You will also want to secure your side and rear doors. Many homes feature sliding glass doors that lead out to the backyard. These doors are very visually appealing while also being very convenient. However, they are much easier to tamper with and break into than solid wood or steel doors. If you home has sliding exterior doors, make sure that you lock them at all times. There are additional security devices that you can use to prevent sliding doors from being opened easily from the outside. It is also very important to secure all areas of your home, not just certain ones. Many break-ins start on the ground floor of a home, but increasing ground floor security has resulted in many burglars choosing to enter through the second floor instead. Make sure that all second storey windows are also protected by strong locks and a security system. You may wish to put bars on your windows as well. Modern security bars come in a variety of styles that add beauty to your home. These security devices are a great idea for ground floor windows as well. Make sure that the security bars you install can be easily removed from the inside. This is especially true in sleeping areas. If there is a fire or other emergency, the window may be your only method of escape. You need to ensure that you can remove the bars quickly and easily so that you can exit through the window. For more information on security bars, please visit our the security bars section of our website. You should conduct a home security audit to ensure that your security system does not feature any weaknesses. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. Our loss prevention professionals have the experience and knowledge needed to properly assess your property and provide advice on how you can keep your home safe. Contact us today.

Outdoor Adventures & Safety

The warm weather is here for most people and it’s a great time to get outside, enjoy nature and embark on some great adventures! Here are a few tips to keep you safe when you’re enjoying yourself in the great outdoors. Wear Appropriate Footwear. It’s important to wear the right equipment, and that starts with your shoes. Depending on your activity, different footwear is needed. Make sure that you wear shoes that offer firm ankle support, are weather resistant and have appropriate tread for the terrain. Playing basketball, jogging in the park and hiking all require different footwear in order to avoid injury. Pack the Right Supplies. Whether you’re planning on heading out for a few days or just a few hours, you’ll need to bring the right supplies with you. Outside of specialized items for your particular activity, you’ll want to bring items that will help you in an emergency. For example, a flashlight, matches, a candle, a signaling device such as a whistle, extra food and water, a first aid kit and a map are all important items that can help you a great deal in an emergency. Protect Yourself from the Elements. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses even if it doesn’t appear to be that sunny outside. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dehydration, sunburns, sunstroke, heat stroke and other serious problems. You should also make sure that you bring plenty of water with you and that you drink water regularly. Take a Partner. If you’re planning on heading out for an extended period of time, partaking in a possibly dangerous activity or venturing very far into the wilderness, it’s a good idea to take someone else with you. If you are lost, injured or become sick, you’ll be glad to have someone there to help you. Be Careful Around Water. If your travels take you anywhere near water or in the water, it’s important to exercise extreme caution. You can drown in a very small amount of water or disappear under the current of a river quite quickly. Always wear an approved lifejacket if you are in the water.

What is “Cyber Stalking” & What can you do about it?

Cyber stalking (sometimes written as “cyberstalking”) is using the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass another person. It includes monitoring, making threats, gathering information, identity theft and more. It can also sometimes lead to offline or “spacial” stalking as well as physical violence. Stalkers repeatedly and intentionally invade the personal life of another person without warrant. Cyber stalkers use email, Facebook, cellular phones, social media services, message boards, instant message programs and other electronic communication tools to send threatening or harassing messages. Now that more and more people conduct more and more of their daily business and personal interactions online, cyber stalkers have more ways to send these messages than ever before. Cyber stalking can be terrifying, confusing and often dangerous. There are two types of harassment that can take place online: direct and indirect harassment. Direct harassment includes sending threatening or harassing messages through email, social networks, text messages and other forms of communication. Intimidation and bullying are common forms of direct harassment. Indirect harassment includes posting hurtful or confidential information on social networks, message boards and websites, subscribing victims to unwanted services online, sending messages in the name of the victim and other similar acts. Both types of harassment are dangerous and hurtful. Any person of any age, gender or location can be a victim of cyber stalking and online harassment. How can you protect yourself from cyber stalkers and what can you do if someone is harassing you or your loved ones online? Unfortunately some people use information that is posted online in negative ways. Be mindful of the information that you post online and use privacy settings and passwords to control who can access your personal details. Do not list you home address on social networking sites. Cyber stalkers can use this information to harass you in person or steal your identity. Make sure that you have correctly set your privacy settings on Facebook and other social networks so that only your friends can see vital details about you and your life. When choosing a password, do not choose one that would be easy to guess such as your middle name or the street you live on. Passwords that include bother uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers are much more difficult to guess. If you are a victim of cyber stalking, here are a few tips. If you know the stalker in real life, send him or her a clear written request to stop harassing you. Only send one request and then do not have any further contact with the stalker. Keep a copy of the letter for your records. Retain evidence of all harassing messages and keep copies of this information as well as all contact made by the stalker. Contacting your Internet service provider or cellular phone provider·may be helpful. Some ISPs and companies·are able to block certain persons from contacting you. You can·also report the person to·his or her own ISP or provider.·If the harassment does not stop, contact the police. Do not attempt to meet your stalker in person in order to stop the harassment. This could be incredibly dangerous. Cyber stalking is very serious and should be dealt with by law enforcement.

Burglary Statistics & Trends

Unfortunately, burglaries and break-ins happen quite regularly in homes across North America. In 2010, a burglary took place every 15 seconds in the United States. The best way to prevent burglaries and to protect yourself is to understand where and when they take place and to secure your home with the appropriate security technology. Renter’s Insurance recently published statistics on break ins in the United States. The information can help you understand how burglar’s think so that you are able to better protect your home, your valuables and your family. Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 73.9% of all burglary offenses in 2010. Contrary to what some may believe, the majority of residential burglaries take place during the day, not at night. Most burglaries take place between 10am and 3pm, since most people are away from their homes during these times. Break ins take place most often during the summer months (July and August) while February has the fewest number of break ins. Weather is certainly a factor in these cases and the fact that many people take long vacations during the summer makes their homes tempting targets for burglars. Single-family homes in the middle of a block are more common targets for burglars than homes on corner lots. This is likely because a house on the corner is more easily spotted than a house in the middle of a block. Burglars do not want to be caught committing crimes and thus they target homes where they are less likely to be noticed. How do burglars get into your home? Click here to read the rest of this story.

Protecting Yourself From Muggers

Being mugged is a terrifying situation that can leave you feeling helpless, powerless and vulnerable. Unfortunately, muggings can happen anywhere, not just if you’re walking through “a bad neighbourhood” or if you’re visiting a city you are unfamiliar with. People can be mugged in their hometowns while walking down streets that they visit often. However, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself against muggers. The best way to protect yourself from a mugger is to avoid getting into a bad situation in the first place. While criminals are sometimes unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to decrease your chances of becoming a victim. Stay in well-lit areas where other people and cars are present whenever possible. Mugger does not want to be caught committing a crime and he or she will be less likely to mug you if others will see the act take place. Keep valuables hidden and close to your body. Hang your purse or bag from a short strap and keep it under your coat if possible. The same goes for valuables such as cell phones, watches, music player and cash. Keep these items hidden in your pockets whenever possible. Stay alert at all times. Be on the lookout for anything that seems suspicious. Keep your head up and observe what is going on around you. This will keep you from accidentally walking into a dangerous situation. Don’t listen to your iPod or music player while walking. This could·distract you from your surroundings and also attract criminals who may want to steal your device.·If possible, try to walk with a friend, co-worker, relative or someone else you trust if you need to walk through a deserted area at night. Keep moving. It is much easier to mug someone who is standing still than someone on the move. Where comfortable shoes so that you will be able to walk quickly. Do not stop for strangers, regardless of the reason. Sometimes·muggers will ask you for directions·so that you will stop walking. If you are asked for directions, walk with the person asking while you give them the information or ask them to come inside a store or other commercial establishment while you talk with them. Muggers are much less likely to strike·when other·people are around.· If you are mugged, it is important to stay calm and confident but non-confrontational. Listen to what the mugger is asking for and comply with the requests. Most muggers will be looking for money or other valuables such as jewellery or electronics. While you likely will not want to lose your valuables, it’s safer to hand them over rather than risk injury or death. Answer the mugger’s questions, but do not give him or her any additional information. Most muggers will leave once they have the valuables they are looking for. Never go with an attacker to a second location. You will be much safer if you stay where you are than if you head to somewhere more deserted. Keep this in mind, even if your attacker has a weapon. Take note of any distinguishing characteristics such as height, weight, hair colour, eye colour, etc. You can provide these details to the police after the fact.

Carjacking Safety Tips

Carjacking can be incredibly lucrative for criminals. Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, it can be a target of a carjacker. While some thieves target high-end, expensive cars, others aim for more typical vehicles. These are often easier to steal and·harder to track. Stolen cars are often sold for parts and parts from more common vehicles are often more valuable. What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of a carjacking? Keep your car doors locked even when you are in your vehicle and wear your seat belt. Many carjackings take place at red lights or at other times when a driver is stopped in the car. Criminals look to quickly enter the vehicle, throw the driver out and take the car. Keeping your doors locked and your seat belt on makes this more difficult. The extra time you’ll get could allow you to drive away. Give yourself some space. Keep at least a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will let you maneuver your vehicle if needed. Stay in the center lane whenever possible. This will make it more difficult for a carjacker to approach your vehicle. Watch out for dangerous situations and set-ups. If you’re stopped at a red light and someone approaches your car on foot, do whatever you can to get away. There is no reason why someone should be walking up to your car in that situation. When rolling down your window for any reason, only·roll it down slightly. An open window makes it easier for·a criminal to reach into your car and threaten you.·Criminals will often try to put you in a situation where you leave your vehicle as this gives them a chance to steal it. A common scam is to lightly bump your car so that you will get out to check for damage. At this point the criminal will jump into you car and drive off. If you are in a minor accident, wave to the other car and drive to a more populated area before getting out of your car. If you are carjacked, in most cases the best option is to give up the vehicle and report the crime to the police as soon as it is safe to do so.·Provide the police with as many details as you can possibly remember.

Keeping Your Children Safe Outside

The warmer weather is here and people are spending more and more time outside. This is also a great time for children to play outside. You don’t have to spend time getting them in and out of their winter clothing and there’s no need to worry about them catching a cold from the weather. However, there are still things to watch out for and you should still take some precautions. There are a number of things that you’ll need to watch out for when your children are playing outside. Children can hurt themselves, either through slipping and falling or by twisting ankles or hurting other body parts while running. Unfortunately, they can become the targets of adult predators as well.Outdoor exercise is important though, and you’ll want to make sure that your children have the freedom to enjoy themselves without stiffling them or stressing yourself out. Adult supervision is important however. Adults can prevent children from attempting dangerous activities, they can calm down games before they get dangerous and they can be on the lookout for any other dangers. The younger your child is, the more supervision he or she will require. It’s important for you to based your supervision requirements on the abilities of each particular child. Children who are the same age may not have the same motor skills, physical strength and judgement skills. Also, note that if a child is older, he or she may be able to know not to talk to strangers, but he or she is also able to climb up a large tree and fall off. It’s important to keep your child’s age and abilities in mind at all time. This will help you determine the degree of supervision required. Regardless of where your children are playing, you will want to make sure that the area is safe. If your backyard, make sure that the gate is closed and locked and check to see if any dangerous debris has fallen into your yard. If your children are using playground equipment, make sure that it is in good condition as well. Sometimes slides and jungle gyms have broken pieces or rough edges that can hurt a child. Swing sets may be frayed or damaged. Make sure you check everything before you let your children play. Watch out for traffic and make sure your children know that cars can be incredibly dangerous. Children should know not to run into the street after a toy or ball. It is best for your children that they ask for help from an adult they trust in these situations. Make sure that your children are also aware of parked cars. Just because a car isn’t moving right now, that doesn’t mean it soon won’t be. Never let your children play around motor vehicles of any kind. It’s also important that children understand that they should never go anywhere with a stranger and that they should never do anything they do not feel comfortable with, even if someone they trust is asking them to. You have to make sure that you don’t terrify your children by telling them to never trust any stranger at all, but it is very important that children know that they should never leave an area unless their parents allow it. If you end up in a situation where you’d like to have someone else pick your children up, let your child know this in advance if possible. Otherwise, you should have a secret pass phrase that only you and your children know. If another person (a friend or another relative) is going to pick your children up, tell them this pass phrase. Your children should never leave with anyone who doesn’t know the pass phrase.

Barbecue Safety

A great way to enjoy your meals during the warm weather is to cook them on the barbecue. Not only does the food taste great, but you’ll also get to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you cook and eat. Here are a few tips to make sure that your barbecuing experience is a safe and happy one. Inspect your barbecue, especially at the beginning of the season. Whether you store your grill inside our outside during the winter, dust, dirt and other build up can form while the barbecue is inactive. Check to make sure that nothing has been damaged as well. If the grill, burners, body or propane tank (if applicable) has been damaged, don’t use the barbecue until it has been fixed. Do a quick inspection of the entire barbecue each time you use it. If anything is defective, have it replaced right away. Always keep the lid of the barbecue open when you are lighting it. Regardless of whether you are using propane, charcoal or natural gas, the lid should be completely open when starting up the grill. If you have a gas or propane barbecue and it does not light, turn the gas off and wait for five minutes before trying again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to get it repaired. Propane tanks need to be inspected and requalified or replaced every ten years. The date that the tank was last qualified is listed on the collar of the propane cylinder. An attendant is not permitted to fill an outdated cylinder. If your propane tank is rusted or otherwise damaged, it is time for a new one. Stores or gas stations that sell new propane tanks should be able to take your old tank for proper disposal or recycling. If you have a charcoal barbecue, make sure that you only use proper charcoal lighting fluid to light the briquettes. Give the fluid a few minutes to settle after you spray it on the charcoal. Always make sure that you stand a safe distance from the grill when you light it and that the starter fluid bottle is far away from the grill when you do so. Keep your children away from the hot grill and make sure the grill is always supervised to prevent injury. Make sure that you barbecue in a well-ventilated area and that there are no object or obstructions near the grill that could cause injury, cause someone to slip and fall or catch fire. Do not wear loose clothing around the grill. You should have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Make sure that you know how to use the extinguisher properly. When shutting off a gas or propane grill, make sure you turn off the gas as well as the burners. Give the barbecue some time to cool off before covering it. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely cool before disposing them. Hot coals can start a fire in a garbage can that can be incredibly dangerous.

Five Security System Facts You May Not Be Aware Of

If you have a security system, you may be aware of the functions of that particular system. However, there are many aspects of alarm systems that you may not be aware of. Here are ten security systems facts that may be new to you! You can monitor your alarm system & security cameras via the Internet. These days you can watch your security cameras from your laptop. You can receive text messages when your alarm system is activated or deactivated. You can use your smart phone to enable your security system when you are away from home. You can keep track of everything that is taking place in your home from just about anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone. Contact us to find out more about Internet-enabled security systems. Wireless alarm systems are just as reliable as wired ones. There was a time when wireless alarm systems were unreliable and unsecure. However, that is no longer the case. Much like wireless Internet, wireless phones and wireless stereo equipment, wireless alarm systems have improved in quality and reliablity greatly over the last few years. They are now as reliable and as secure as a wired system. Wireless systems are great for older homes where it would be incredibly difficult to install wires throughout the home. They are also great for renters who are not allowed or who do not wish to permanently install an alarm system into their home. You don’t need a landline to have an alarm system. These days many people do not have a traditional home phone any longer. Cellular phones and VoIP systems are more common than ever and they are replacing traditional landlines for many people. While a landline was once required for an alarm system, this is no longer the case. Modern security systems have safeguards that ensure your safety and security are never compromised, regardless of the state of your phone line, cellular signal or Internet connection. Having an alarm system makes it ten times less likely that you will suffer a break in. Combining an alarm system with a second form of protection (such as video surveillance cameras) reduces the chance of a break and enter by 40 times. In addition, the amount of property stolen is 80 percent less in properties that have alarm systems and security cameras than in properties that do not. Security systems are not “only for the rich.” Alarm systems, even monitored alarm systems, are much more affordable than most people think. In fact, the reduction in insurance premiums for having an alarm system and the fact that your home will suffer much less damage and loss in the event of a break in more than pays for the alarm system or the security camera. SafeTech Alarm System has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. We understand exactly what it takes to keep your property safe. Whether you’re looking for a home alarm system or a commercial alarm system, the loss prevention professionals at SafeTech Alarm Systems can help you find the system that meets your needs and protects your property.

Don’t Leave Spare Keys Where They Can Fall Into The Wrong Hands

It can be convenient to leave a spare key under a rock, inside a flower pot or on top of light fixture in case of emergency. We’ve all run into a situation where we’ve forgotten our keys or we need someone to enter our home when we’re not around. It just seems easier and more convenient to have an extra key stashed away for these types of situations. However, if it’s easy for you to get into your home, that means it’s easy for criminals as well.. Criminals will often scout out a location before attempting a break in. No matter how well you think you’ve hidden your spare key, a criminal will likely be able to find it within ten minutes or so of searching. The lock to your front door is often your first defense against a criminal. Leaving a spare key outside is taking away one obstacle and making a break in much more possible. Leaving a spare key out in the open is essentially the same thing as leaving your door unlocked: Don’t do it. It is much safer to leave your spare key with a friend, relative or neighbour who you trust. You will still be able to retrieve the key quickly in an emergency, but you won’t be opening yourself up to nearly as much danger as leaving the key outside. You can also place a copy of your keys inside a safety deposit box. This will allow you to access all of them should there be a serious problem. If you feel like you absolutely must leave a key outside somewhere, make sure that you place the key inside of a combination lockbox. While a lockbox can be tampered with, it is relatively difficult. This will keep your keys safe but still give you access to them when you need them. As another reminder, never place identifying information such as your name or address on your keys or on your keychain and never keep your keys inside your wallet. If you happen to lose your keys, you don’t want the person who finds them to know exactly where you live. There are services that allow you to put a specific number on your key or keychain instead. If you lose your keys, they can still be send back to you via the number listed on them. Using these services ensures that your personal information is never compromised. Having a dead bolt lock on your door makes it nearly impossible to lock yourself out with your keys inside. A dead bolt requires you to lock the door with the key as you are leaving. Dead bolts are also much more powerful locks and they are much more difficult to break into or pick. All exterior doors should have dead bolts on them. Now all you’ll have to worry about is losing your keys or forgetting them at work…

How Medical Alarms Provide Peace of Mind

It can sometimes be scary or worrying to leave an elderly relative home alone. Unfortunately, some seniors have difficulty walking up and down stairs, getting in and out of the bathtub and performing other daily tasks. There is also the risk of a medical emergency. However, many seniors also wish to remain in their own homes and have the independence to live life the way they see fit. How do you balance these two conflicting scenarios? Medical alarm systems can greatly reduce the stress and worry that can be associated with seniors living at home alone. With an emergency medical alarm, your elderly relatives can continue to live the independent lives they are used to without being concerned about health problems or slips and falls. You’ll also be able to relax since you’ll know that your loved ones are just a button press away from emergency help, 24 hours a day. SafeTech Alarm Systems offers lightweight, compact and waterproof emergency response pendants and wireless emergency wall communicators that allow seniors to live lives without worry. Medical alarms make it easier for seniors to live the lives they’re accustomed and they give family members the peace of mind that their loved ones are being protected. Emergency medical alarm systems from SafeTech have the best range in the industry, so they’ll even work in your driveway, garage or backyard. This means that you can be a button push away from emergency help even when you’re doing yardwork, gardening or working outside your home for any reason. You’ll be able to do all of the tasks you’re used to with the added protection of two-way voice support from our central monitoring station. Two-way voice medical alarms from SafeTech feature: The worlds smallest two-way voice personal communicator pendant Direct communication with our central monitoring station 24 hours a day, seven days a week The best range in the industry: Hundreds of feet from the base station Crystal clear two-way voice communication with the central station All pendants and wall communicators check in with the base every 13 hours The central station is contacted in the event of a power outage, low battery or RFC signal loss Unlimited talk time with the central monitoring station. Medical alarm pendants are small enough to be worn on your wrist or on a chain around your neck. They’re completely waterproof, so you can even wear one in the shower or bath. Please contact SafeTech Alarm Systems for more information.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

There are a number of ways to prevent criminals from breaking into your home or business. Alarm systems, security cameras, window bars and gates and other security technology are vital to keeping your property safe from criminals. However, it has also been proven that proper design can reduce crime and the fear of crime in a neighbourhood or a particular property. A combination of security technology and natural surveillance, access control and other techniques can make an area safer and drastically reduce crime. Crime prevention through environmental design is a multi-disciplinary approach to detering criminal behaviour through design techniques. The ideas of crime prevention through environmental design have been practiced and refined for quite some time. Today these tactics are used in both residential and commercial environments to limit the opportunity for crime and to also reduce the fear of crime in a given area. Urban planners and those designing neighbourhoods and commercial areas such as office parks or shopping centres often take safety and security into account when creating a design. There are several ways that you can use these tactics to protect your home or office. For example, a key aspect of crime prevention through enviromental design is the idea of “natural surveillance.” This means creating an environment that maximizes visibility and increases the ability to spot suspicious people or activities. This technique can be used in your home quite effectively. For example, you should ensure that your home’s main entrance is clearly visible from the street and that there are no bushes or shrubs located nearby where criminals could hide. Installing motion-activated security lighting over all entrances will increase visibility at night and make it more difficult for criminals to act without being caught. Click here to read the rest of this story.

Hazardous Gases in your Home

Criminals are not the only danger to your home that could strike at any time. They’re also not the only issue that you can protect yourself from by utilizing the right technology. Hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide can be incredibly dangerous and even lethal if they allowed to build up in your home undetected. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless, tasteless and initially non-irritating gas that is very difficult for people to detect without specialized equipment. On average, 170 people in the United States die each year from carbon monoxide producted by non-automotive consumer products and thousands more are hospitalized with non-lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be produced by a number of different consumer products. Furnaces, ranges, water heaters, gas and kesosene heaters, portable generators, fireplaced and a number of other fuel-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide, especially if the appliance is malfunctioning. The symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning include lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, vertigo and flu-like symptoms as well as depression, confusion, and memory loss. Greater exposure can lead to central nervous system and heart damage as well as death. Carbon monoxide is best detected with a functioning carbon monoxide detector. For more information on carbon monoxide and monitored carbon monoxide detectors, please visit our website. However carbon monoxide isn’t the only hazardous gas that you will need to watch out for. For example, elevated levels of radon gas also lead to health problems and even death. Like carbon monoxide, radon gas is colourless, odorless and tasteless. It is a radioactive gas and can cause lung cancer. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can get into any type of building through cracks and holes. Radon can get trapped inside a building and build up to incredibly dangerous levels without you even noticing. Nearly 1-in-15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels. Thankfully, there are a number of different radon test kits that you can use to check for elevated radon levels.

Workplace Security

Most people spend a large percentage of their lives in the workplace. Other than your own home, you likely spend more time in your workplace than in any other location. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want to stay safe at work. Whether you are an employee or an employer, there are several things you can do to improve workplace security. Employers often set up the company’s security systems, maintain these systems and set the tone for a safe workplace, but that doesn’t mean employees cannot help with these security efforts. Accurate and consistent risk assessment is important in every workplace. Every company, no matter the size, should carry out its own risk assessment study to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the company, the building that the company is located it and the organization’s practices. SafeTech Alarm Systems offers a free risk assessment for both homes and businesses. Please contact us for more information. A company should also formulate contingency plans that can come into effect should an emergency situation occur. Additional security measures may be required in an emergency. All employees should be trained and made aware of a company’s security policies and emergency plans. They should also be aware of how to correctly act if their security is threatened. Employees that are assigned specific roles in a company’s security policy (such as locking the office doors for the night, activating the office’s alarm system, securing company documents in a locked room or filing cabinet, etc.) should be given detailed instructions on their roles and all employees should practice their security roles regularly to ensure that they understand their duties exactly. Employees play another vital role in maintaining security in the workplace. All employees should be trained to recognize threats and properly report them. For example, employees in a retail store should be trained to identify potential shoplifters. There should be a procedure in place to report suspicious customers without causing a panic or scaring customers out of the store. Employees should also be trained to look out for weaknesses in a company’s security technology. For example, if an employee notices that an exterior light is burned out or that a window does not lock properly, the employee should promptly report this flaw to the correct person who can arrange for it to be fixed. Information security is also incredibly important. Your company should have detailed information technology security procedures and all employees should be trained to follow these procedures. Some tips include choosing safe passwords for your computer, always storing critical information in password protected files and safe Internet browsing. Physical documents that contain personal or private information should be stored securely and access to these documents should be strictly controlled.

Five Ways Security Systems Can Help - Beyond Catching Criminals

Home alarm systems and commercial alarm systems are obviously very effective at deterring and stopping crime. Studies show that having an alarm system reduces the chance of a break and enter by 10 times and that combining an alarm system with another form of security technology (such as video surveillance cameras) makes it 40 times less likely that your home or office will be broken into. However, keeping you safe from criminals isn’t all that alarm systems and security cameras can do. There are a number of other ways that your home or business security system can help you. For example, you can use your alarm system and your security cameras to tell you when people are entering or leaving your home. You’ll know when your babysitter, contractor, housekeeper or any other person working inside your home arrives for a shift and how long they remain in your house. This is a great way to make sure that people are working the right number of hours each day. You’ll also be able to tell exactly when your children arrive home from school giving you true peace of mind. Modern alarm systems and security cameras allow you to monitor activity from any location with an Internet connection. You can even get alerts sent to your cell phone or email address when your alarm is activated or deactivated so you’ll always know what is taking place in your house. If you have a monitored security system, did you know that you can monitor other devices in your home, not just your security services? A centrally monitored system can also keep watch on your smoke detectors, heat detectors, flood detectors and numerous other systems in your home. A fire or flood when you are away from home can be incredibly costly and dangerous. You may have a smoke detector or flood alarm, but if no one is around to hear it, your entire home could be destroyed. Thankfully, you can have these devices monitored by a central monitoring station. In the event of a fire or flood the central station will assess the situation and alert you and/or the appropriate authorities. You can even have your carbon monoxide detectors monitored if you choose. Please visit our monitoring section for more information. Centrally monitored security systems and Internet enabled systems do more than just protect your home from criminals. They can keep every aspect of your home safe and secure and give you the peace of mind that you deserve. There is no need to worry while you are away from home. You won’t have to guess whether or not people working in your home are putting in a full shift. You won’t have to wonder if your children or other loved ones have arrived home safely. There will be no need to worry about your home or office being damaged while you are away. Security systems offer additional protection for businesses. Surveillance cameras are a great way to prevent theft (including employee theft) but they can also help you manage your business. You can use your security cameras to make sure that your staff members are at their desks working when they are supposed to be. You can also use cameras to make sure that employees are taking appropriate lunch breaks and other breaks. This saves you from having to actively be in numerous locations or to hire someone to keep track of your employees. You can also use your security system to verify when employees and visitors enter and leave your location. If you manage a retail store, surveillance cameras can help you track customer tendencies. You will be able to see which sections of the store are visited the most often and which displays are the most frequently noticed. This will help you with the layout of your store. You can also use this information to position store staff where they are most needed. Security cameras can help you improve your business and keep your customers happy. For more information on surveillance cameras, centrally-monitored security systems and other security technology, please contact us today.

Cost-Effective Ways to Protect Your Business

Protecting your business is incredibly important. Security systems, commercial alarms, surveillance cameras and other security services are all incredibly important and effective ways to protect your business. Fortunately, these services can also be quite cost-effective. While protecting your company can seem like an expensive and time-consuming ordeal, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, having a safe and functional security system can actually save you money. For example, in properties with security cameras that still become victims of break ins, the amount of property stolen is 50% less than in locations that only have a security alarm. When you compare this to a property that has no alarm system or security camera set-up at all, there is an 80% reduction in the loss of property. These savings are significant and should more than pay for the cost of installing a security system. The added security will also prevent loss of business due to theft or damage caused by vandals. You’ll also find that having a monitored security system as well as surveillance cameras will result in lower insurance premiums. Almost all insurance companies will give you a break on your fees if your business is properly protected from theft, vandalism, fire and other issues. There are several other ways to protect your business as well. It sounds simple, but it is important to remember to lock your doors. This includes locking exterior doors when the business is closed, but also locking doors to stock rooms and areas that contain sensitive information. Only certain staff members should have keys to these rooms and employees should be asked to sign in and sign out whenever they need to enter these areas. This will cut down on employee theft and make it more difficult for strangers to enter restricted regions. You’ll also want to make sure that you change your locks, access codes and passwords regularly. Keeping this information the same for an extended period of time increases the chance of it falling into the wrong hands. Some former employees may hold a grudge against your business and attempt to use the information they have to hurt you. Regularly changing locks, access codes and computer passwords makes this much less likely. A simple way to keep your business safe is to keep it organized and clean. If you have a organized supply room, for example, you will be able to save money by avoiding duplicate orders. If your filing system is well-managed you will be able to track your finances more accurately. It will also be more difficult for employees to steal from your business since you will have accurate and easily-accessible records. Finally, keeping your office clean will reduce the number of accidents, slips, falls and mishaps that take place. This will keep your employees safe, lower you insurance costs and reduce the number of hours lost to injury.

Securing your Smartphone

There is an incredible amount of important data stored on the average smartphone. From phone numbers and email addresses to social networking and bank passwords to other important business and personal data, the information stored on the average smartphone is vast. This information could seriously harm you if it fell into the wrong hands. Someone could alientate or steal your entire contact list, log into your bank and conduct transactions, damage your personal relationships, commit fraud and even steal your identity just by gaining access to your smartphone. This is why it is so important to secure your phone. Here are a few tips for securing your smartphone: Password protect your phone: It may be slightly less convenient to use your phone quickly when it is protected by a password, but it is also a step that you should take to protect your valuable data. iPhones, Android phones, Blackberry phones and Windows Phones all have built in password settings. Enable the password protection feature and make sure that you choose a password that is difficult for someone else to figure out. “1234″ and “111111″ are far too common and easy to guess. Try and come up with a password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Enable “Remote Wipe” and “Find My Phone” Options: Most modern smartphones allow you to lock or completely wipe the data off of your phone in an emergency. You can also enable GPS tracking on your phone so that it can be found in case it is misplaced or stolen. You should use your phone’s online back-up feature as well. In case your phone is lost and you need to wipe all of the data from it remotely, you can feel safer doing so if you know that your data is backed up online. Watch What You Download: Certain applications can contain viruses or other malicious code. Make sure that you only install applications and programs that come from your phone’s official application marketplace. You should also watch which websites you visit from your phone as some can cause problems, damage your phone or corrupt your data. Just like on a desktop computer, do not download attachments or click unknown links, even if you know the sender. Hackers can sometimes send emails or instant messages to you so that they look like they are coming from someone you trust. If something looks suspicious, do not download it. Install Updated Software: You should run the most updated version of your phone’s operating system that your phone can handle. If you have an older phone, you may not be able to upgrade to the absolute newest version, but you should stay as current as possible. Most phone manufacturers list how long they support a particular software version on their websites. As long as a software version is supported, the vendor will continue to provide security updates and repair possible security flaws. Depending on which smartphone you have, you may also wish to install additional security software such as a virus scanner or a spyware scanner. Different versions of these programs are available for different phones. Protect Your Phone: Your smartphone contains a lot of important data. You should remember this and protect like it like you would protect your wallet or other important documents. Do not leave it unattended for any period of time. Carry your phone on you whenever you are in public and place it inside your pocket, purse or briefcase so that you are less likely to leave it behind somewhere. If you must leave your phone behind, lock it in a desk drawer if possible.

Safety Around Lakes, Ponds & Streams

Now that the weather is getting warmer, people are spending more and more time outdoors. While it can certainly be enjoyable to spend time near a lake, pond, stream or creek, it’s also important to stay safe around these bodies of water. Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged one-to-four and children aged two-to-four have the highest risk of drowning out of every age group. However, not only children are in danger. Everyone should be careful around bodies of water. In July 2011 a 34-year-old man drowned in a creek running through a Toronto neighbourhood. He was walking with his wife near Highland Creek in the Scarborough area of the city when he stopped to take some photos. He slipped and hit his head on the pavement. He was disoriented when he stood up and he fell into the nearby creek. He was trapped underneath the rushing waters and drowned. It took five police officers to get him out of the powerful water. This tragic situation shows how important it is to exercise caution around streams, lakes, creeks, ponds and other bodies of water. It also shows just how powerful and dangerous water can be. It is important to stay away from fast-moving water. While creeks and streams are beautiful to look at from afar, they can also be very deadly. Rushing water is often more powerful than it looks and it can be incredibly difficult to get out from under a strong stream of water. During the early spring, water run off from melting snow and ice can cause stronger than usual currents. This can make bodies of water that are usually very calm much more dangerous than normal. You should also check for hazards around the water. Items like sticks and rocks as well as holes and uneven ground could cause you to slip and fall into the water. Be very cautious when walking around bodies of water. Children should be taught about the dangers of water and they should never be left alone around a body of water. Make sure to always supervise your children when they are playing outside and to keep them away from ponds, streams and creeks. Children should be in arms reach at all times when you are near any body of water. You can drown in just a few inches of water, so even very small streams can be deadly. In additon to natural water formations, backyward pools can be incredibly dangerous as well. Four out of every ten child drownings happens within two metres of the shore or pool side and one quarter of drownings happen in water that is one meter in depth or less. One-third of water deaths take place at night, so be on guard at all times.