As we step into 2024, it's a perfect time to look back at the remarkable journey of Myron Jacobsen, Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer, Prince Albert, SK.

Ten years ago Myron and his business partner approached Virgil Reed about a partnership to bring Reed Security's cutting-edge security solutions to Prince Albert. After some careful planning we established the Reed Security Authorized Dealer Program and Thor Security Ltd. became our first dealer.  

Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer, has evolved from a small startup into a cornerstone of safety in the Prince Albert community.

Over the past decade the company has served over 1,000 customers including homes, cottages, farms, schools, non-profits and hundreds of businesses. The City of Prince Albert trusts Reed Security to protect their people and assets with smart alarms, 24/7 monitoring, access control and video surveillance.

Myron Jacobsen, the heart and soul of this operation, has always emphasized the importance of understanding and meeting the personalized security needs of each client. "Our mission has always been to provide not just security, but peace of mind," Jacobsen explains. "We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering a promise of safety and reliability."

The success story of Jacobsen’s business is built on a foundation of customer-centric values and cutting-edge technology. Throughout the decade the company has stayed ahead of the curve, adapting to new security trends and tailoring services to meet the unique needs of each client. This adaptability and dedication to quality have been key to building enduring relationships within the community.

Congratulations once again to Myron Jacobsen and the entire team at Thor Security Ltd., Reed Security Authorized Dealer on a decade of Excellence.

We're proud of you Myron and team! 

Grainews.ca recently consulted Virgil Reed, Founder, CEO of Reed Security on options to increase farmyard security. 

Not so long ago, farmyard security meant keeping a rifle and ammunition handy. “Farmyard security has always been an issue, but today there’s a lot more awareness about it due to events in the media,” says Reed.

“Farms have poor response times from the police due to their remote locations, so farmers need to take more proactive measures and create a security plan in the event an unwanted visitor comes in their yards. The security plan should include professional security solutions as well as common sense.”

“Stay away from Wi-Fi cameras and always install wired whenever possible,” cautions Reed. “Wi-Fi cameras are unreliable and the signal is often too weak or has interference. We’ve learned this the hard way over the past 18 years. We do install commercial grade Wi-Fi antennas when we need to connect the home to a shop or barn, but the antennas require direct line of site.”

Here are 4 WAYS TO INCREASE FARMYARD AND ACREAGE SECURITY IN 2019:   

1. HIGH DEFINITION

Reed says a four-camera ReedHD™ High Definition Camera package from Reed Security with professional installation offers superior quality imaging to cameras on offer online or at big box stores. Reed’s cameras record in 2MP to 4K, or four times the quality of 1080p HD. These cameras all have IR NightVision that allow the camera to see 100 to 300 feet in pitch dark. 

Hint: Proper lighting is crucial to camera performance. Rather than relying on NightVision keep your yard lights on and add Motion Lighting for best results.

2. SMART CAMERAS

Video motion detection is unreliable and causes too many false alerts - the weather, the lighting and wildlife all create false alerts. You cannot depend on video motion detection - you will become frustrated and you start to ignore the alerts.

Instead, we recommend ReedHD™ Smart Cameras with Avigilon people and vehicle detection. This technology uses sophisticated video analytics to minimize false alerts. Smart security cameras learn the site and only alert a user's smart phone when an actual car, truck or person is in the view of the camera. Existing i.p. security cameras can be upgraded to smart cameras with an Avigilon Blue subscription.

 


3. HD SMART PTZ

HD SMART PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) security cameras allow the user to control the camera similarly to a joystick. Instead of a joystick the user controls the HD PTZ camera from a smart phone, tablet, PC or NVR. Our 2MP security camera has a 30x optical zoom (4.3 to 129 mm lens with auto-focus) that allows the user to clearly see over 1,000 feet in both day and night. Available in HD or SMART. 

Hint: HD SMART PTZ cameras should be installed in conjunction with HD cameras. HD SMART PTZ cameras can only record 90 degrees field of view when not controlled by the user.
  

4. ALARM.COM INSTANT ALERTS

If you already have video surveillance cameras and do not want to upgrade to smart cameras, we can install wireless motion sensors to cover your driveway. When movement is detected you will receive an alarm.com instant alert on your smartphone. You can then log-in to your existing smartphone app and view cameras. This option requires a professionally installed home security system and alarm.com subscription. 

Hint: Most wireless motion sensors are not built for harsh climates. Install an outdoor model such as the DSC PG-9994.    

SOURCE: GRAINEWS.CA, REEDSECURITY.COM

Virgil Reed, Heidi Dutton, Sharon Riese, Kurtis Riese

Detect Security Systems has sold its security monitoring services to Reed Security.

You will be in great hands! Reed Security has received 20+ Award Recognitions for the way we look after People (Customer Service, Quality Management, Marketing, New Direction, and Small Business of the Year). 

Our local dealer in P.A. is Thor Security Ltd. and the office is located at 1-243 South Industrial Drive. Myron and Oyvind look forward to serving you!

No major changes are planned, however we will be seeking feedback from you on how we can continue to deliver a great experience.

Sincerely,

Sharon Riese
Owner
Detect Security Systems

Virgil Reed
Owner
Reed Security

SALES INQUIRIES

1.844.384.SAFE (7233) or sales@reedsecurity.ca

SUPPORT & SERVICE INQUIRIES

1.844.384.SAFE (7233) or support.reedsecurity.com

ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

1.844.384.SAFE (7233) or administration@reedsecurity.ca

24/7 MONITORING STATIONS

1.800.268.6870

Heading on summer vacation? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that had a break-in. Here's 20+ Summer Security Tips you can implement to protect your Home and Property while you're travelling.

You're Going to Need More Than a Funny Welcome Mat to Prevent a Break-in!

1. USE COMMON SENSE

If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.

Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.

For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.

Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.

3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home. A better option is to install alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and setup on an alternating schedules.

Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.

Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.

If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to cut your grass.

Did you ever have a stranger drive into your yard and ask for directions? Keep on reading...

There's been a lot of attention about farmers, protection and guns in the media recently. At Reed Security we've seen an increase of 25% about farm security, cabin security and acreage security over the past two years.

So, what are people concerned about? We interviewed Dave and Vicki Dutton from Dutton Farms in Paynton, SK about their concerns and here's what we found:  

WHAT ARE FARMERS CONCERNED ABOUT?

"Theft is our biggest concern. We can't always be at the farm to keep an eye on things". Here were their concerns:

• home break-in
• shop break-in
• vehicle theft
• fuel theft 
• theft of keys
• theft of wallets, cash, credit cards, ID
• theft of guns
• theft of tools
• theft of chemicals
• confrontation 

DIRECTIONS PLEASE

"We live on a busy highway and a number of people come into our yard. When a lost stranger drives into your yard and asks for directions - are they really lost? Or could it be that they're scoping your place out?"  

Just about everybody has maps on their smartphones. You should pay particular attention to the make and model of the vehicle and even the license plate if you can. Also make notes about the person's description and age. The Police will need this information in the event of a reported theft.

5 SOLUTIONS TO INCREASE FARM PROTECTION NOW

Better security is a better solution.  Reed Security recommends installing several layers of security instead of relying on only one. 

1. Install an Alarm System with 24/7 Monitoring in your Home and Shop
   -coverage on doors and windows
   -smart motion sensor coverage in common spaces and hallways
   -consider fire, low temp. and flood protection
   -consider installing ALARM.COM smart security automation
   -we notify you, the neighbors and the Police
   -you may qualify for an Insurance Discount of up to 25%
   -lock your doors when you leave the yard
   
   
2. Install ReedHD Cameras
   -up to 26x more detail than standard definition
   -we know which cameras to install where
   -ability to record Faces and License plates*
   -see in the dark
   -records for 10 to 30 days before recycling data
   -Smart Phone apps to remotely see cameras from Anywhere
   
   
3. Install ReedHD Smart Cameras
   -all the features of ReedHD Cameras
   -People and Vehicle Detection analytics
   -ignores all other objects such as birds or animals
   -People and Vehicle Detection alerts are sent to your smartphone app
   
   
4. Get Your Cameras remotely Monitored with UCIT Video Monitoring
   -trained operators receive alerts from ReedHD Smart Cameras
   -operators perform a remote look in video tour
   -we notify you, the neighbors and the Police
   -choose a schedule
   
   
5. Advertise Your Active Security Measures
   -install warning signage and decals
   -show your friends, family and neighbors your security measures including your smartphone apps
   -thieves think twice before targeting farms with active security measures