HOW TO STOP BURGLARS FROM TARGETING YOUR HOME

In Burglary Prevention Tips :

• Unlocked doors or windows
• Front doors with glass panes
• Open curtains that reveal what you have in your home
• Open doors or windows (this includes garage doors)
• Darkened points of entry
• Valuables left out in the open, such as lawn equipment or bicycles
• Large bushes that obscure the front yard or door to your home
• Fences that provide cover
• Neighbourhoods without neighbourhood watch

Signs that a home is an unoccupied target include:

•     Newspapers or unchecked mail
•     Overgrown yards
•    “Sorry we missed you” notes on the door

LOCK YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS

REINFORCE YOUR DOORS

GLASS FRONT DOORS ATTRACT BURGLARS

They will look through the door in order to see what’s inside.  A thief can see if you have a traditional, monitored alarm system as well.

KEEP YOUR GARAGE DOOR CLOSED

I think a lot of people take leaving their garage door open for granted. Maybe you could do that in 1952, but those days are over. I know a man who’s wife pulled into the garage and left the garage door open when she went into the house. By the time she went back out to close it, someone had already run in and stolen his toolbox full of expensive tools. Now, talk about emboldened opportunism! Luckily they caught the guy because the man had a security camera that had captured a clear image of his face.

GET AN UP-TO-DATE OPENER

LOCK THE DOOR FROM YOUR GARAGE INTO YOUR HOUSE

CLOSE YOUR BLINDS OR CURTAINS

 WHAT BURGLARS WANT AND WHERE THEY LOOK FOR IT IN  YOUR HOUSE

• under the mattress
• under the bed
• master closest
• shoe boxes
• night stands
• tops of wardrobes
• bathroom cabinets
• dresser drawers
• medicine cabinets
• children’s’ rooms
• kitchen pantry
• broom or utility closet
• basement
• attic

Crime prevention officers suggest keeping bushes trimmed down to about 3 feet or shorter so that you increase the visibility for your neighbours or pedestrian onlookers. I can totally see keeping my front door and window bushes trimmed back. But let’s take a look at our other options below.

ADD LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FOR HOME SECURITY 

Basically, these are stand-alone security cameras installed in light fixtures. Whenever motion triggers them, both the light and the camera activate. Next, they send you an alert via text message. From there you can control the camera, which includes the ability to speak to whoever is there..ask Reed today! 

SIGNS YOU ARE AWAY

1.  OVERGROWN LAWNS 
2. TRASHCANS LEFT OUT BY THE CURB

WHAT DO BURGLARS LOOK FOR IN A TARGETED NEIGHBORHOOD?

• settled homes
• a particular type of home typically means disposable income..that means they have jewelry or cash
• well-kept homes
• yards with nice fences because they indicate nice interior
• houses without alarm systems
• glass front doors that let them see inside

The Trusted Saskatoon Directory Team are thrilled to brag about our latest Saskatoon partner in our Saskatoon Contractors, Exteriors & Roofers category. We would like to welcome and introduce you to Scott Roofing a Trusted Saskatoon Roofer. 

Scott Roofing has over 30 years years of experience in the Saskatoon roofing industry and they are the roofer of choice for many of Saskatoon's top contractors. Their extensive roofing experience, skills and knowledge means they have proven themselves to be a trustworthy business and they are known as a reliable roofing contractor for both builders and homeowners who value friendly service and honest advice. 

Scott Landru and his team at Scott Roofing have an impeccable reputation for high-quality, clean work and they believe that relationships really matter.

As part of the unique Trusted Saskatoon verification process, we contacted a long list of Scott Roofing clients. These included both residential and commercial roofing clients,  to hear their opinion about the quality of workmanship and service Scott and his team provide. 

Wow,  we were impressed! Most of those surveyed rated them 10/10! 

"We have used Scott Roofing for two projects in the last twelve months. First we had our detached garage reshingled and then our home. I have to say that we have been VERY pleased with the service and workmanship. They have many years of experience and it truly shows in the care and attention they take. I would highly recommend Scott Roofing to anyone looking for great service and quality workmanship at competitive pricing." Sherry, Saskatoon

 

One of their clients wrote about their experience in a Google review that we found whilst doing our due diligence and checking Scott Roofings online reputation. We wanted to share,  as it includes a word of warning about what happens if you are unfortunate enough to have an experience with disreputable roofers. 

" I was not fortunate enough to have Scott Roofing replace my roof, I had the experience of using a less reputable company last year.
Today, however, a crew from Scott Roofing was diligently working across the street from my house. On my way home one of the team stopped me and asked to speak with me. He pointed out a potentially serious mistake in the work done to my roof that I wouldn't have been able to identify myself. He asked if it would be okay for him to quickly hop onto my roof and fix the issue because as a professional it was painful for him to see a homeowner with such obvious deficiencies left behind.
To me, this is the measure of true character in a person and a company. How does someone treat you when you have nothing to offer them? When there is no personal benefit to helping you out, how do they react? Every company will talk highly of their service and quality of work, today Scott Roofing skipped the talk and showed their integrity in their actions.
Today, however, a crew from Scott Roofing was diligently working across the street from my house. On my way home one of the team stopped me and asked to speak with me. He pointed out a potentially serious mistake in the work done to my roof that I wouldn't have been able to identify myself. He asked if it would be okay for him to quickly hop onto my roof and fix the issue, because as a professional it was painful for him to see a home owner with such obvious deficiencies left behind To me, this is the measure of true character in a person and a company. How does someone treat you when you have nothing to offer them? When there is no personal benefit to helping you out, how do they react? Every company will talk highly of their service and quality of work, today Scott Roofing skipped the talk and showed their integrity in their actions.These are the actions of the only roofing company I will use from now on, and the only company I'll be willing to recommend to friends and family."  Scott Jamison, Saskatoon.

When you become a Reed Security client you will be entering into a relationship - one they want to grow and become long-term. Installing a security system will decrease the odds of having a break-in by nearly 400%. 

Reed Security is a Multi SABEX AWARD WINNING company and they are TRUSTED SASKATOON ALARM & SECURITY EXPERTS

Reed Security Top Security  Tips

All About Theft:

• 66% of break-in's are forced entry and forced entry attempts
• 34% of break-ins are an unlawful entry (without force)
• In 2015, Saskatchewan had 9407 break-in's (180/week) and Alberta had 27,517 break-in's (529/week)
• Break-ins occur in all areas of the City - not just the "bad areas"
• Most Home break-ins occur when you are at work or travelling (daytime)
• Most Business break-ins occur when you are at home (evening and weekends)
• Cabin's and Lake properties are especially attractive
• 98% of break-ins occur through main floor doors and windows (often unlocked)
• Thieves target the Master Bedroom

Thieves steal:

• Cash and Credit Cards
• Jewelry
• Designer clothes and sunglasses
• Electronics such as TV's, Stereos, Computers, Video Game systems, Smartphones and Tablets
• Tools
• Sporting Goods
• Cars and Trucks or the contents in them
• Building Materials
• Alcohol and Prescription drugs
• Your Identity

How to Prevent Theft

Use Common Sense!

• If you lose a key, get the locks changed.
• Ask all strangers for identification.
• 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 neighbour.
• DO NOT advertise on Facebook or other social media that you are on vacation.
• For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home.
• Keep all receipts in a safe and easy to find location.
• Write down the model and the serial number of all electronics.
• Make it Difficult
• Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts.
• Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows.
• Install window bars on all basement windows.
• Make sure all doors and windows are properly locked.
• Keep your premises well lit at night.
• Install timers that turn lights on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home.

Install a monitored Home Security system and you are 400% less likely to have a break-in.

You will receive up to 25% insurance discount. and optional ALARM.COM with automatic lights.

In case you do have a break-in:

If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The burglar may still be on site.

Call the Police from your cellular phone or from a neighbour's house and wait.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is one of Saskatchewan's largest private financial planning and employee benefits consulting firms. Its Saskatoon Financial Planning Division provides business owners, households, retirees, and students with expert investment and insurance planning services to help them reach their long-term financial goals. They also have a Benefits and Personal Insurance planning division. In this latest Wiegers Financial tip, we share about their massive community support efforts. Wiegers Financial Benefits are Trusted Saskatoon Financial Advisors and Trusted Saskatoon Insurance and Group Benefits experts.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits are committed to supporting our communities.

With deep roots in Saskatchewan and endless gratitude for the opportunities and success it affords, the Wiegers Financial & Benefits team – led by Cliff and Deb Wiegers – are committed to helping grow our local community stronger. The team’s philanthropic focus is on helping local children’s charities through their in-house charity, Wiegers Care for Kids. But, their community involvement reach is much broader than that. And, with ever-growing community involvement goals, Wiegers Financial & Benefits’ commitment to helping strengthen and grow our local community is steadfast.

They view their role in and responsibility to the community in two important and related ways.  First, they are in the very fortunate position of being able to propagate widespread awareness about important issues effectively and causes in our community.  With 35 community-minded individuals on their team and a long-term client base of thousands of people – each of whom has his or her own network of friends and family – they have the power to help ensure that more people are made aware of important issues and causes than would otherwise be the case. Second, they contribute to and help raise money for the specific causes and events they feel most passionate about.  With a broad network of clients, professional associates, friends and family, they have a very wide network of people to approach for cash and in-kind donations and other forms of support. Wiegers aims not only to help their clients lead healthier and happier lives but to help the rest of our community to do so, too. By raising awareness and money for local charities, they believe that we are making a positive difference.

Here are just a few of their community involvement awards, fundraisers, and other community events and related activities:

Trusted Saskatoon Accouontants Hounjet Tastad Harpham is a locally owned and operated accounting firm in Saskatoon. While they are based in Saskatoon, they serve clients across the entire province. Hounjet Tastad Harpham has spent decades gaining the trust of the people of Saskatchewan and has gained a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and consistent accounting firms in the city, and province. They provide accounting and tax services for small, medium, and large businesses, as well as individuals and non-profit organizations. Hounjet Tastad Harpham is a partnership between Roseline Hounjet, Allyn Tastad, and Dustin Harpham.

Accelerated capital cost allowance is changed.

 The incentive accelerates the amount of   capital cost allowance that can be deducted   from taxable income. First of all, the half-year   rule has been suspended. Until now, you   could only claim half of the regular allowance   in the year that something was purchased.   Now you can claim 100 per cent of the   applicable capital cost allowance in the year   of purchase.

In addition, the first year of capital cost allowance has been bumped up by 50 percent. In practical terms, a producer will have equipment in various capital cost allowance categories. Net additions to any class will be increased by a factor of 50 percent for calculating the first-year capital cost allowance.

For subsequent years, the allowance deduction returns to normal. 

So how does all this work in practice? Let’s say you buy a new or used tractor for $100,000. Tractors and other self-propelled equipment are in Class 10 and eligible for a 30 percent capital cost allowance.

If you purchased the tractor before Nov. 20, the capital cost allowance in the first year is 15 percent or $15,000. This is half of the 30 percent allowance in the first year of purchase.    

How does this affect your tax bill? If you’re running an incorporated farm with a federal tax rate of 12 percent, the $45,000 capital cost allowance reduces your tax bill by $5,400. The same tractor purchased before Nov. 20 would generate a reduction in taxes of only $1,800.

This is a federal incentive to buy equipment and stimulate the economy. However, remember that when you’re allowed to claim more allowance in year one, it reduces how much is left for subsequent years. The total amount of deduction hasn’t been increased. You just get to claim deductions sooner.             

There is value to receiving more of your tax deduction earlier, but when you work through the numbers, this shouldn’t move the needle very much when deciding whether to upgrade equipment. Other considerations remain much more important.