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Archive for the ‘2011’ Category

Peace of Mind Vol 1-36: Holiday Safety Tips

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.

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.

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!

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.

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Posted in 2011, December, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: Peace of Mind Newsletter |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-35: Simple Ways To Prevent Automobile Theft

Police Issue A Warning After Several Vancouver Purse Snatchings

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. 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.

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.

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Posted in 2011, December, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: Peace of Mind Newsletter, Powered by Article Dashboard better business bureau vancouver |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-34: A Vancouver Robbery Like Out Of A Movie

Armed Robbery At A Vancouver Country Club

Witnesses 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] jewellery!?” said Frank Quinn who was attending the auction with his wife. “It was terrifying.”

The robbery lasted several minutes and the armed robber left with a bag of expensive jewellery. It is estimated that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewellery. 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.

“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.

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Posted in 2011, November, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: A Vancouver Robbery, A Vancouver Robbery Like Out Of A Movie |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-33: Using Social Media To Fight Crime

Poppy Theft This Remembrance Day

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 detterent in some cases. Criminals are less likely to commit crimes if they know the crime will be caught on video

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.

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.

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Posted in 2011, November, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: canada using social media to fight crime, Peace of Mind Newsletter, Powered by Article Dashboard why do men keep women a secret if there is no other women in their life? |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-32: Shocking Shooting Near A Toronto School

Two Teens In Hospital After A Shooting Near A Toronto Middle School

On Thursday November 3rd, two teenagers were shot near a middle school in the north end of Toronto..

A 19-year-old male was shot several times and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. A 14-year-old female was shot in the ankle and was taken to the hospital with less serious injuries. The shooting took place outside Oakdale Park Middle School in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.

It appears that the young girl was not a primary target of the shooter, but was shot after she witnessed the shooting of the male victim. The school was locked down for several hours following the shooting, as were two other schools in the area. Toronto Police are currently investigating the situation. They are looking for two suspects in connection with the shooting.

Safety Tips:

In many public shootings there is no advance notice that anything could be wrong. However, if you see any suspicious activity, such as a person with a weapon or other suspicious activity. Doing so could safe a life. The bottom line is that you need to remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If something seems wrong, leave the area right away.

If a shooting does take place, you’ll need to act quickly. If you are close enough to see the shooter, run or hide. Hiding behind a door or large furniture will certainly help. If you have to run, run quickly and in a zigzag manner. This makes you a more difficult target to hit. If you are unable to see the shooter but you’ve heard gun shots, take cover immediately. If you have a cell phone, call the authorities as soon as you are safe.

Unless you are faced with absolutely no other option, do not attempt to attack the shooter. He or she has a gun and isn’t afraid to use it. If authorities are on the scene, always follow their direction and stay safe. Police officers and security guards often have the training and experience needed to react quickly and safely in dangerous situations. SafeTech offers security guard services for businesses, special events and many other purposes.

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Posted in 2011, November, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: Peace of Mind Newsletter, Powered by Article Dashboard back door, Powered by Article Dashboard why do men keep women a secret if there is no other women in their life? |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-31: Protecting Your Business From Unrest

Crime News: Two Men Killed In Ottawa Mall

Two men were shot and killed in a shocking shooting in an Ottawa mall. The victims were 32 and 35 years old. One suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

The men were shot half an hour before the mall closed, at or near a tanning salon in the mall. One of the victims was the co-owner of the salon.

Police, firefighters and ambulances rushed to the mall after they heard reports of shots being fired. When they arrived, the two men were found without vital signs. They were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead. The shooting took place on Wednesday October 26 and currently no arrests have been made.

Safety Tips:

Unfortunately sometimes innocent bystanders are “caught in the crossfire” during shootings. This has happened many times in many high profile cases. While you can never be 100% sure when crime will take place, being alert and aware of your surroundings definitely helps.

If you hear an argument or confrontation starting nearby, leave the area immediately. Do not assume that nothing bad can happen in a public place. Some criminals are very brazen in their crimes and the presence of witnesses will not dissuade them.

If at any point you hear shots fired or see violence taking place, duck or hide immediately. You will need to quickly analyze the situation you are in and determine whether it is safer to hide or try to escape.

Do not think that the shooter will not ignore you because you are not the intended target. Someone who is willing to open fire in a public place does not care about anyone else in the room. Stay uninvolved and safe. Do not try to confront or disarm the shooter. You could be putting yourself in great danger.

As soon as it is safe to do so, call 911.

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Posted in 2011, October, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: Peace of Mind Newsletter, Powered by Article Dashboard back door, Powered by Article Dashboard rules for internet safety, Powered by Article Dashboard why do men keep women a secret if there is no other women in their life? |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-30: Keeping Teenagers Safe Online

Crime News: Accused Serial Killer in BC

A 21-year-old man who is currently awaiting trial for murdering a teenage girl is now being charged with at least three other murders.

The man, who is from Prince George, British Columbia, was arrested recently for the 2010 murder of a 15-year-old girl from Fraser Lake, BC. He has now been charged with three additional murders that took place in northern BC in 2009. All of his alleged victims have been women.

The accused serial killer was known as “an avid user of social media and technology” according to police. He was charged in the three additional murders after a 10-month RCMP investigation.

Safety Tips:

Awareness is incredibly important. You should always be aware of who is around you at any given time. You should also pay attention to what is going on around you. Is that stranger getting closer and closer to you? Is the man who is leaving the bar intoxicated and thus possibly irrational? Stay away from these bad situations.

You’ll also want to be aware of your surroundings. Is there a dark alley nearby that you could be pushed into? Is anyone else on the street that could help if you were in trouble? Recognizing the danger around you is the key to staying safe.

If you’re getting into your car, look through the windows to make sure no one is in the back seat or anywhere else in the vehicle. Once you’re inside your car, lock the doors immediately

In addition to staying aware, make sure that you never go with a stranger to another location. This is true even if the person threatens you. He or she intends to hurt you anyway, so stay where you are. There is a good chance you are in a public place where you can be seen by someone else. Moving to a more remote area only increases the chances that you will suffer harm.

In all cases, staying alert and aware of your surroundings and trusting your instincts is the right path to take.

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Posted in 2011, October, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

Tags: Peace of Mind Newsletter, Powered by Article Dashboard back door, Powered by Article Dashboard kids internet safety, Powered by Article Dashboard rules for internet safety, Powered by Article Dashboard tips for internet safety, Powered by Article Dashboard why do men keep women a secret if there is no other women in their life?, Powered by Article Dashboard why is internet safety important |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-29: How To Keep Your Teenagers Safe

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind Newsletter

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security.

Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free.

Peace of Mind is the definitive resource for loss prevention advice and the most recognized and trusted authority on safety and security, just as SafeTech has established itself as the premiere loss prevention company in North America.

Safety Tips For Teenagers

We typically focus our worries and concerns on young children, especially when it comes to safey and security. We often think of teenagers as mature enough to look after themselves and the fact that they don’t seem to want our help makes it even more difficult to be involved in their safety.

However, it is important that you go over some safety tips with your teenagers. Here are a few quick tips that will help keep teenagers safe and secure.

If your teenagers are staying home alone, make sure you go over some basic safety tips with them before you leave. It may seem like they’re too old to hear these tips, but it’s very important to ensure that they act safely. Tell them about the dangers of letting strangers into your home and make sure they know that in no situation should a strange person be allowed inside the house. It’s also important to go over fire safety tips and to have a plan for an emergency.

If you have teenagers that are now able to drive, a whole new group of safety concerns must be addressed. It’s important to always follow the rules of the road (such as speed limits) and make sure that your teenager understands the importance of seatbelts. Also, you should set a limit for the number of people that are allowed in the car at one time. An overcrowded car can be distracting to the driver and very dangerous. Some regions even have laws that limit the number of people in the car with a teenage driver.

Another major driving distraction is texting. Texting or using a mobile device in any way while driving is illegal in many areas because it is incredibly dangerous. It is important that you teach your teenage drivers the importance of staying focused on the road while driving. Leading by example is a good place to start.

Drinking and driving (as well as drinking in general) is very dangerous for teenagers. Under no circumstances should your teenager feel that it is okay to drink and drive. Let him or her know that it is always better to call for a ride home or to take a cab than it is to drink and drive. Also, make sure your teenagers know that they should never get into a car if the driver has been drinking. Let them know that they can always call home for help.

The Internet is another place where teenagers can get into serious trouble. Many teens spend a large portion of their time online and teenagers often share personal details on the Internet. Let them know that some people can use these details to harm them. In our next issue of Peace of Mind we will have an in-depth look at Internet safety for teenagers..

While teenagers are not young children any longer, it’s important to understand that they can still get into dangerous situations and that sometimes they will need help. Be sure to talk with your teenagers and let them know that they can always call you for help. A phone call may be an annoyance, but it’s better than having a teenager in a dangerous situation alone.

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Posted in 2011, October, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-28: Shocking “Flash Mob” Thefts

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind Newsletter

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security.

Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free.

Shocking “Flash Mob” Thefts Taking Place

If you spend any time watching videos online via YouTube or other sources or if you’ve watched the news recently, you may have heard of “flash mob” thefts that are taking place at convenience stores and other similar businesses across North America.

A “flash mob” is an event that is typically organized on the Internet. Groups of people suddenly appear in a predetermined place, perform some sort of task or act and then quickly disperse. Typically flash mobs are done for fun or to attract attention or publicity. However, people are now using flash mob tactics to damage property, steal items or cause other crimes. These crimes are sometimes called “Flash robs.”

You’ll find the videos all over the Internet. Recently this tactic was used to rob a Maryland convenience store of a great deal of merchandise in under a minute. According to a CNN report on the robbery, “Surveillance video shows a couple of teens walking into the Germantown 7-Eleven store Saturday at 1:47 a.m. Then, in a matter of seconds, dozens more young people entered and grabbed items from store shelves and coolers. Police said the teens left the store together, without paying for anything.”

People have also started using the technique in Canada. A Toronto Star report mentions a similar crime that took place in Ottawa. According to the Star, “the Quickie convenience store in Ottawa’s west end was virtually empty. The next minute, 40 or so youth descended en masse. As they marched in they grabbed everything in sight. The next minute, like a well-oiled many-tentacled machine, the mob turned around and left with $800 worth of goods.”

All of these crimes were caught on store surveillance cameras. In the Maryland robbery, police used the store’s security footage to identify 17 suspects and charge them with the crime. The suspects were charged with either theft, conspiracy to commit theft or disorderly conduct. The police intend to use the security footage to identify the remaining suspects.

“These kids basically thought they could walk in there, create havoc and remain anonymous,” said Capt. Luther Reynolds of the local police when discussing how security camera footage helped identify the suspects.

This situation once again shows how security cameras help fight crime. For more information on security cameras, please visit SafeTech Alarms Security Camera Section.

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Posted in 2011, October, Peace of Mind Newsletter - Past Issues |

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Peace of Mind Vol 1-27: How Security Systems Pay For Themselves

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind Newsletter

SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security.

Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free.

How Security Systems Pay For Themselves

Many people are under the misconception that home security and business security systems are incredibly expensive, time-consuming and confusing. There are a lot of people who feel that it is easier and cheaper to not have a security system at all.

Thankfully that is not true. Keeping your home or business safe is simple and affordable. Installing a security system can even save you money!

Thanks to new technology, home security systems and business security systems are easier to install, easier to use and more affordable than ever before. However, when you’re thinking about installing a security system, you need to consider more than just the money you’ll spend for the service. First of all, you’ll need to consider that most insurance companies provide discounts to clients who have alarm systems installed. If you have a video surveillance system or a centrally-monitored alarm system installed, you’ll receive an even larger discount.

Another way that home security systems and business security systems pay for themselves is by doing what they’re designed to do: Prevent crime. One break-in can cost you thousands and thousands of dollars in damage and stolen goods. If you’re operating a business and your offices are broken into, you may need to shut down operations while you investigate the crime and determine what has been stolen. This will cost you even more money. A security system prevents this hassle.

Security systems also act as a powerful deterrent. This is especially true when you install security cameras. Criminals do not want to be caught and surveillance cameras provide powerful evidence to police. Rather than risk being caught in the act, criminals will often avoid homes and businesses that have security cameras installed. This is great news for protecting your property and saving you money.

For instance, vandalism and property damage can be incredibly expensive to repair or clean. Surveillance cameras and security systems will keep criminals off of your property so you won’t have to deal with these expensive problems.

If you’re interested in finding out how a security system can save you money while keeping your family and your property safe, please contact one of our loss prevention experts today.

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