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Brody Langager

Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Published Jan 9, 2025

Concerns about break-ins at homes and businesses are circulating online as Saskatchewan’s cold winter weather coincides with a homelessness crisis.

The province’s two largest cities don’t have the capacity to house everyone who lacks permanent shelter. Saskatoon recently reported a count of almost 1,500 people experiencing homelessness, while Regina reported at least 824.

Crime maps published by the Saskatoon Police Service and the Regina Police Service show break and enters to residential and non-residential properties in every neighbourhood.

Virgil Reed, owner and CEO of Reed Security, said cold weather increases the number of break-ins at multi-unit homes, businesses and unoccupied buildings.

“Often, it’s homeless people looking for a place to stay warm and a place to sleep,” Reed said.

Unlocked vestibules are the preferred location during late night and early morning hours, he noted.

Another method of entry is “tailgating” — an intruder following an unsuspecting tenant into a property through a main entrance or parking garage.

Reed said the company has seen an increase in demand for keyless entry systems and video surveillance with artificial intelligence.

“Access control systems restrict access to the property and require a credential such as a keytag or a smartphone to unlock a door. This limits the opportunity for unwanted visitors.”

Security cameras with AI can recognize trespassers, identify what a person is wearing and ask intruders to leave directly from the camera.

Reed said reducing property crime comes down to common sense and creating awareness.

“Always make sure your doors are locked — including vehicles. Ensure adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells and entry points. Evaluate the security measures at your property annually and proactively implement the latest crime reduction technology.”

Based on statistical data, Saskatoon Police said break-ins don’t necessarily trend with the weather, noting the peak of break and enter crimes reported in 2024 was in August, while the highest number reported in 2023 was in May.

However, the force noted that break-ins to common areas of apartment buildings could be recorded as suspicious persons reports — which are common and can represent a variety of incidents.

In the case of a break-in to a parking garage, vehicles can often be the target, and sometimes only one of those incidents gets reported to police.

If someone got into a private building only to escape the cold outside, there likely wouldn’t be an associated charge unless there was a criminal offence, Saskatoon police noted in a statement.

“If the person is open to it, we can and would refer them to other supports. We recognize the uneasiness that might come from seeing someone unfamiliar in an apartment building, and we would encourage people to report suspicious persons if they have concerns.”

Happy New Year!

2025 is a BIG year for us - Reed Security is celebrating 25 years of keeping you safe.

When I started this company in 2000 my goal was simple: provide effective security solutions with expert local service. A quarter century later, we’ve grown a lot, but our commitment to you has never changed.

Security has come a long way since the early days.

Basic alarms have become smart home and business security systems with intuative touch screens. Control your alarm, cameras, lights, locks and temperature with one single app.

Black and white video surveillance systems have become smart camera systems with Artificial Intelligence. Security cameras can identify people and take action.

Local keyless entry systems have become smart access control systems that can be controlled from anywhere. Remotely buzz people in or unlock doors at your building with a smartphone.

We’ve worked hard to stay ahead of the curve. What hasn’t changed is our focus on building relationships. You’re not just clients; you’re part of the Reed family.

Thank you for trusting Reed for 25 years! 

Virgil Reed
Owner, CEO
Reed Security

Office Hours

Monday to Friday 8am to 430pm

December 24th - closed @ noon

December 25th - closed, Merry Christmas!

December 26th - open @ noon

December 31st - closed 2pm

January 1st - closed, Happy New Year!

Thank You for entering our draw and the 300+ testimonials praising Reed Security and our people! 

Due to the Canada Post strike we cannot mail passes this year.

Instead, please stop by our Saskatoon office during regular business hours to pick up your pass.

Note: Passes that are not picked up by December 24th will be given away.

Reed Security

14-1724 Quebec Avenue

Saskatoon, SK  S7K 1V9

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

December 24th - closed at noon

December 25th - closed

December 26th - open at noon

December 31st - closed at 2pm

And the 2024 winners are...

Paul Bernstrom, Saskatoon

Rhonda Ciona, Saskatoon

Kaitlin Thiessen, Saskatoon

Gurpreet Singh, Saskatoon

Chris Beres, Prince Albert

Ron & Sylvia Meakin, Langham

Ahmed Marei, Saskatoon

Fred Kwan, Saskatoon

Neil Miller, Langham

Metric Design, Saskatoon

Gerard Visentini, Saskatoon

Diana MacLean, Saskatoon

Tammi and Kevin Kalin, Saskatoon

Aly Hastings, Prince Albert

Erin Tessmer, Saskatoon

Lilian Fehr, Saskatoon

Stan Neigum, Saskatoon

Barbara Tawpisin, Saskatoon

Myrna Wagner, Saskatoon

Nathan Pound, Saskatoon

Kaylee Williams, Saskatoon

Ernie Fast, Saskatoon

Loretta Lipus, Saskatoon

Amanda Borowetz, Saskatoon

Josh Butcher, Saskatoon

Sarah Le, Saskatoon

Shelly Delorme, Saskatoon

Tyler Strand, Saskatoon

Matthew Pratchler, Dalmeny

Cathie & Don Drinkwater, Saskatoon

Christine Rodych, Saskatoon

Kimberly Wolverine, Saskatoon

Deborah Lewko, Saskatoon

Jackielyn, Saskatoon

Alyssa Bergren, Asquith

Laurie Schwsn, Saskatoon

Darryl Dressler, Saskatoon

Kristin Berg, Saskatoon

Dominique Pete, Saskatoon

Ihor Kosik, Saskatoon

Ruth Gilmour-Hildebrandt, Saskatoon

Randy Belosowsky, Saskatoon

Kali Frank, Saskatoon

Tyson Kurtenbach, Saskatoon

Jessica Pearson, Martensville

Stephen and Denyse Klette, RM Of Dundurn

Tamara Maurice, Saskatoon

Brian Neurauter, Christopher Lake

Maria Sandrino, Saskatoon

Deidre Eruero, Saskatoon

Ehsan Ahmed, Saskatoon

Terri Parent, Saskatoon

Jan Wilkinson, Saskatoon

Jessie Thompson, Bulyea

Beatrice Scutt, Saskatoon

Dixie Chisholm, Martensville

Brian Wallace, Saskatoon

Kara Firman, Saskatoon

Samantha Huser, Saskatoon

Troy Kerluke, Saskatoon

Duane Krip, Saskatoon

Linda Alberts, Prince Albert

Rhonda Meakin, Candle Lake

Brandy Allan, Davidson

Scott Kelly, Saskatoon

Charlotte Garrett, Saskatoon

Randal Nelson, Saskatoon

Ron Thomsen, Saskatoon

Britney Hammer, Saskatoon

Evelyn Kasahoff, Langham

Cecilia Mryglod, Saskatoon

Ivan Peever, Saskatoon

Donna Harris, Saskatoon

Mandar Kavishwar, Saskatoon

Sid Kulrich, Wakaw

Marie Kemmer, Saskatoon

Jennifer Draper, Saskatoon

Claire Mascho, Prince Albert

Rebecca Uzelman, Saskatoon

Cindy Loose (Bornhorst Seeds Ltd), St. Gregor

Arnie and Brenda Berg, Saskatoon

Isha Agrawal, Saskatoon

Crystal and Adam McMartin, Saskatoon

Ray Goodwin, Saskatoon

Steven Bellanger, Warman

Keith Forrest, Saskatoon

Monique Arcand, Saskatoon

Hilda & Gary Johnson, Saskatoon

Anand Elango, Saskatoon

Brian Wallace, Saskatoon

Lindsay Ullathorne, Martensville

Sheldon Trabish, Saskatoon

Gerry Christie, Saskatoon

Brenda Yuzdepski, Saskatoon

George & Nazareen Mesho, Aberdeen

Ivan & Della Peever, Saskatoon

Jeffrey & Julia Dickson, Saskatoon

Gord & Debbie Waldner, Saskatoon

Richard and Wendy Gryschuk, Saskatoon

Paul Penner, Melfort

Reed Security is giving away 100 passes to the BHP Enchanted Forest, one of Saskatchewan’s most beloved holiday light tours.

It’s our way of supporting our community and thanking our clients for trusting us to keep your home and business safe! 

How to enter the draw

1. You get one ballot when you send us your name, phone number and address of the property that Reed Security protects. 

2. You get a bonus ballot when you send us a TESTIMONIAL we can use to impress others 😊

Click here to enter the draw

Draw Date:  December 5th, 2024

Winners list will be published and passes will be available for pick up shortly after.

Good Luck and Thank You for Supporting Local!

#HappyHolidays #ReedSecurity #BHPEnchantedForest