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When is the Best Time to Buy an Alarm System?

You’re thinking about getting an alarm system for your home or business. You know it will provide additional security and you understand the protection an alarm system brings. You’re not sure though if it’s the best time to go forward with your purchase. Will there be a sale? Promotion? Maybe your cash flow will be better next month. There are always considerations in any financial decision and purchasing a security system is no different. So, when is the best time to buy an alarm system?

The answer is that there is never a better time to purchase and install an alarm system than right now.

Alarm systems work. Homes and businesses with monitored alarm systems are 3 times less likely to have a break-in than those without. Alarm systems are fantastic burglar deterrents and provide unparalleled peace of mind. You’ll also save on your insurance, as insurance providers give a discount on home or business policy premiums.

Too often people wait until after a break-in occurs to get an alarm system. This is unfortunate, as there is a significant chance that the burglary wouldn’t have happened had an alarm system been installed beforehand. Burglars don’t want to be caught, and they know that alarm systems will increase their odds of being detected and ultimately apprehended.

Waiting for a sale or promotion, while providing savings, also adds time that your property is at risk of an undetected break-in. Why jeopardize the protection of your home or business? Speed to install a new alarm system should be prioritized over any potential promotions.

An alarm system is an important purchase and should be prioritized. Security systems provide value and peace of mind. Regardless of the size of your home or business, every location should be protected with a monitored alarm system. And the best time to buy that alarm system is right now.

Find out how you can be protected by a Security ONE alarm system today by calling 1-800-265-5317.

July 25, 2022
Why Do Churches Need Security Systems?

All residential and commercial locations may be targeted for break-ins. Stores, homes, offices, burglars will target any location that contains valuables and can be entered undetected. But a burglar wouldn’t target a church, right? Sadly, burglars will often target churches, as they know that often these locations include valuables and are often unoccupied.

In 2020, churches in Saskatchewan saw a 60% increase in break-ins, while churches in Nova Scotia also saw a string of break-ins (4 break-ins over a weekend). More recently, in 2021, Vancouver churches saw a spike in vandalism. This is why all churches should have monitored alarm systems.

A monitored alarm system provides unparalleled peace of mind as they deter and detect burglars. This means that when a burglar enters a location with a monitored alarm system, they will trigger the alarm, which will sound, as 24/7 response will be notified and respond to the alarm signal. This instant connection and response greatly increase the chance the burglar will be apprehended.

Churches are typically easy to protect with a monitored alarm system. This is because they often contain large open areas, where motion can easily be detected. Beyond that, while they may have multiple points of entry, usually only one is used during day-to-day operation. This means that churches can be protected cost-effectively with the proper placement of alarm equipment.

Most importantly, all churches should have video surveillance placed both outdoors and inside the location. Video is a fantastic deterrent, especially if combined with proper lighting. Video systems let any potential burglar know their actions are being recorded, which not only lowers the chance of a burglary from happening, it also dramatically increases the chances of burglars being caught afterwards.

Whether your church has a 30 person or a 3000-person congregation, all churches should be protected with a monitored alarm and video surveillance system. A proper, professionally installed and monitored alarm solution will dramatically lower the chances of break-ins occurring and will provide unmatched peace of mind.

July 25, 2022
Dangerous neighborhoods in London Ontario
London is the 11^th most populated metro in Canada and the 5^th most populous in Ontario. While it’s true that London is a safe city to live and work in, like all major urban centers certain neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. Here are the most dangerous neighborhoods in London, Ontario:

For 2024, the most dangerous area in London, Ontario, was Carling. In 2024 violent crime was 67% above the national average for Canada.

East London was the second most dangerous neighborhood in London. In 2024, Chelsea Heights had 59% more crime than the national average. In East London you have a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of crime

The third most dangerous area of London in 2024 was Southcrest. Violent crime in Kipps Lane was 60% higher than the national average. Beyond that, the neighborhood was significantly above the Canadian average for both total crimes and property crime.

Hamilton Road was London, Ontario’s fourth most dangerous area in 2024. Ealing had 47% more crime than other London neighborhoods and was also above the national average for violent crime, property crime, and total crime.

The fifth most dangerous neighbourhood in London, Ontario in 2024 was White Oaks. Crime rates in Dundas Street were 44% higher than the national average. Beyond that, the Dundas Street neighborhood was only safer than 3% of Ontario cities.

While crime rates vary across London’s neighbourhoods, there are simple steps you can take to make your home or business less of a target. Beyond relying on police and community programs, residents can strengthen their own security with a few proactive measures.

Secure entry points: Upgrade locks, reinforce doors, and keep outdoor spaces well lit.

Stay connected: Join a neighbourhood watch or community alert group.

Check crime maps: Use the London Police Service crime map to track local trends.

Layer protection: Combine good habits with a locally monitored alarm system for 24/7 response.

Regardless of which area of London Ontario you live in, a monitored alarm system is a key to protecting your home and business. A monitored alarm system provides unparalleled peace of mind but deters and detects any would-be burglars. The value of a monitored alarm system is significant, and all London Ontario homes should be protected by one.

And it is especially important to choose a local alarm company like Security ONE. This way a security representative can come and match your home’s security needs to the most effective monitored alarm solution. Beyond that, a local company understands the nuances of local security requirements.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your property with a trusted, locally monitored system from Security ONE. Schedule your consultation today.
July 7, 2022
3 Security Tips to Keep Your Windsor Ontario Home Safe

You live in the city of Windsor and want to keep your home safe. You understand that security for you and your family is paramount. Your home is your largest investment and deserves quality protection. The question though, is how can you effectively keep your family and home secure? Here are 3 security tips to protect your Windsor Ontario home:

Lock Your Outside Doors

Windsor is the 16^th most populated metro area in Canada. While the city is quite safe, as with all larger-sized Canadian cities, houses located in Windsor may be targeted for burglaries.

One of the easiest ways to lower your risk of a break-in is to lock all external doors. Keeping all external door locks instantly dramatically lowers the ease of a burglar entering your home. This is for both when you are inside the home and when you are away.

It doesn’t matter if you live in Downtown Windsor or outside the city in a less populated area like Leamington, keeping your doors locked will dramatically lower the ease of a burglar entering your home.

Get a Monitored Alarm System

Did you know that homes located in Windsor equipped with monitored alarm systems are four times less likely to have a break-in than those without? Monitored alarm systems are an effective deterrent for would-be burglars. No criminal wants to get caught and targeting a home with a monitored alarm system significantly increases the chances of them being detected and arrested during their burglary. The reason why insurance companies give reductions in homeowners’ premiums to homes that have monitored alarm systems is that they are effective!

It is important to remember that for a monitored alarm system to work, the homeowner must activate the alarm system, so turn your system on when you are away or at nighttime.

Also, consider that not all alarm systems are created equal. You need the proper amount of equipment, placed in the right locations to best protect your home. Find a local alarm company like Security ONE that is in Windsor. This way a security expert can come to your home and do an in-person security assessment. Not only will you be supporting a local Windsor company, but you’ll also maximize the protection of your home with the most advanced technology available.

Make It Seem Like Your Home When You’re Away

Burglars target unoccupied homes. You could be at a Windsor Spitfire game or away for a weekend in Leamington, your chance of having a break-in increases significantly if a burglar can clearly identify that you’re not home. To combat this, it’s incredibly important to make it seem like you are home when you’re not.

Make sure that mail does not pile up when you’re away. If there’s a snowstorm in Windsor while you’re vacationing in Florida, have a neighbor drive on your driveway to leave tire marks. Have your lights on timers, so this way your home isn’t dark at night.

Regardless of where in Windsor your home is located, confusing a burglar into thinking you’re home when you’re away is a key tool to home security.

July 1, 2022
What is the difference between a monitored and self-monitored alarm system?

The goal of all alarm systems is to detect burglars. Detection could occur when a motion detector is tripped, or a burglar opens a door armed with a door contact. While all security systems provide the same basic function, an alarm’s effectiveness is predicated on whether it is monitored or self-monitored. Only a monitored alarm system provides true protection in all security situations.

The biggest difference between a monitored and self-monitored alarm system is that a monitored alarm system is proactive, while a self-monitored system is reactive. When a monitored alarm system is triggered, a signal is sent to a central station where an actual person can respond to the event. The Central Station Operator can assess the situation that is occurring. They can then respond accordingly. If it’s an actual break-in, police can be contacted. If there’s a medical emergency, then an ambulance can be called. If there is a homeowner-generated false alarm, then dispatch can be canceled. The response is real-time and done by an actual person.

A self-monitored alarm system requires the user to respond to a situation. When the alarm is triggered, the user is notified that an event has occurred. This could be a door contact opening or a motion detector sensing motion. The user then must react to the notification text message or email.

Imagine if the homeowner is at work or on a plane traveling. How are they going to respond to the limited information given through text or email? Then if they do contact the police because of the notification, what actions are the police going to take? They have no idea what situation is occurring at the home. It’s a blind signal with no information as to if there’s an actual break-in or a false alarm. The byproduct of this is typically a slow response by police or no response at all.

Only a monitored alarm system can provide first responders with enough information to make sure a proper response is given. Monitored responses allow for emergencies to be responded to better than false alarms. Insight can be provided to emergency services to let them properly deal with whatever situation is occurring.

Proof that a monitored alarm provides superior value to a self-monitored alarm is that insurance companies give discounts to homeowners protected with monitored alarm systems. This is because a monitored alarm system provides higher security, leading to fewer break-ins and fewer insurance claims.

If you want to protect your home and family, then you need a monitored alarm system for your house. A monitored alarm system provides 24/7 protection, regardless of whether you are in or away from your home. A self-monitored alarm system is a gadget, not a security product.

June 28, 2022
Where are the most dangerous areas in Windsor Ontario?
Windsor is the 16th most populous city in Canada and the 9th most populous in Ontario. While Windsor is a very safe city to live and work in, certain neighbourhoods have higher crime rates than others. Here are the most dangerous areas in Windsor, Ontario:

For 2024, the most dangerous area in Windsor was Sandwich. Total crime, violent crime and property crime were all significantly above the national average for Canada. Sandwich experienced a yearly growth in crime of 4% and most alarmingly, violent crime for the area was 67% higher than the Canadian national average.

Ford City is the second most dangerous area in Windsor. In 2024, total crime, violent crime and property crime in Roseville Gardens were all significantly above Canada’s national average.

The third most dangerous area of Windsor in 2020 was Walker Farm. The area was significantly above the Canadian average for total crime, violent crime, and property crime. Property crime is 61% above the national average.

South Central was Windsor’s fourth most dangerous area in 2024. Similar to the previous wards, South Central was above Canada’s national average for total crime, violent crime, and property crime.

The fifth most dangerous area in Windsor is Walkerville. In 2024 violent crime in the area was 60% above the national average for total crime, violent crime, and property crime. In 2024, crime in downtown Windsor increased 4%.

As of August 2025, overall property crime in Windsor is up 6.9% over 2024. While crime levels vary across Windsor neighbourhoods, there are proactive steps every homeowner or business owner can take to strengthen their security:

Upgrade entry points: Reinforce door and window locks, and ensure outdoor lighting eliminates dark hiding spots around your property.

Leverage community resources: Join or start a neighbourhood watch, stay connected with local policing programs, and report suspicious activity promptly.

Adopt layered protection: A monitored alarm system remains one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. In Windsor, “local monitoring” means your alarm signals go straight to a nearby Security ONE monitoring centre — not a call centre across the country — ensuring faster response and peace of mind.

Stay informed: Regularly check Windsor Police Service crime dashboards to understand current trends in your area and adjust your security habits accordingly.

Whether you live in the areas above or any other area in Windsor, a monitored alarm system is key to protecting your home and business. A monitored alarm system dramatically lowers your chance of a break-in by deterring and detecting any would-be burglars. And be sure to choose a local alarm company like Security ONE, where a security representative can come and match your home’s security needs to the most effective monitored alarm solution.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your property with a trusted, locally monitored system from Security ONE. Schedule your consultation today.
June 23, 2022
What are the Steps for Cancelling a Telus Alarm System?

Telus is a communications and cellular provider located in Canada. Along with cellular, internet and cable TV services, they also provide security systems for both homes and businesses. While Telus has been an alarm provider for many years, it instantly become Canada’s largest alarm provider when they purchased ADT Canada in October 2019.

With so many alarm customers across the country, many are unhappy with their services for a variety of reasons. Maybe they don’t want to be protected by a national cable company. Or perhaps they are unhappy with pricing and service. Regardless, what are the steps for cancelling a Telus alarm system?

The first step to cancelling your Telus smarthome alarm is to contact Telus at 1-866-558-2273. You’ll want to connect with the customer service department, specifically for smart home alarm services. Once you are speaking with a Telus representative, tell them you are calling to cancel your Telus security service.

The goal of the Customer Service Rep is to get you to rethink your cancellation. They’ll offer various offers to stay with Telus but each retention offer comes a new contractual term. Agreeing to a new term will lock you into a multiyear agreement with Telus alarm services. If you’re unhappy with service, price, or any other issue, avoiding a new contract is key.

Telus alarm systems require a 3-year contractual term for alarm services. Whether you are a newer Telus alarm customer or an older ADT Canada customer, you should know if the term of their service has expired or if they are still under contract before cancellation. If the contractual term has expired, then the customer can cancel without any financial penalties. If the Telus alarm customer is currently under contract, then there will be a penalty to cancel.

The cancellation fee for Telus alarm systems depends on which plan you have. The Telus SmartHome Smart Camera package will charge customers $10/month for the remainder of the term. TELUS SmartHome Smart Automation packages. will cost $35/month for the remainder of the term. And lastly, TELUS SmartHome Secure packages will cost $35/month for the remainder of the term. Your alarm cancellation will not be processed until the final payment has been made.

Once this process has concluded, you’re officially done with Telus/ADT Canada smart home alarm services. You’ll be able to use your alarm hardware with multiple other alarm companies.

Local Experts. Proven Protection.

Ready for true peace of mind? Contact Security ONE for a free consultation and discover how our locally monitored systems keep your home and business safe. Consider having your system monitored by a local alarm company like Security ONE. You’ll get exceptional protection and customer service. Call Security ONE at 1-800-265-5317 for a free security quote.

June 8, 2022
Rising commodity prices, have created a skyrocketing trend in outside assets.
Top 5 theft increases since onset of COVID-19 due to commodity prices and adjusted business plans.

During our “NEW” Normal as we continue to navigate the COVID landscape, at Security ONE Alarm Systems we have seen a dramatic spike in a few key areas of theft and criminal activity. During our research, we have found that major world or regional events that have catastrophic effects on society crime in general increases as criminals and/or non-criminals are looking for ways to stay above water and or continue to thrive illegally. Seeing as many businesses implemented contingency plans to staff at skeleton levels, with many not attending the workplace/job site as regularly, this opened the door for crimes of opportunity. Crimes of opportunity due to less eyes on site, less site activity, and overall decline in awareness of site assets.

So, what continue to be the areas we are focused on protecting with our clients? We’ve found that the majority of concerns that have heightened have come in a way of outdoor assets. Crimes that can be committed in the dark of night, with little light, little activity, and in many cases little recourse.
Catalytic Converter Theft – As discussed in our prior blog, we looked at the reasons behind this dramatic increase. All this fueled by a rising cost in precious metals, which are utilized to minimize the sound being emitted from all vehicle types. Some of these metals have seen a 2000% increase in value, which to a trained thief is an easy source of cash after procuring the precious metals. It is also known to be a fast and easy target, as trained professionals can remove these items in less than a minute in most cases. Lastly many of our clients have a fleet of vehicles ranging upwards of 20 vehicles, which if targeted could be a very costly theft.

Copper Wire – Similar to catalytic converters, copper being a precious metal and, in some cases, readily available in fenced yards, A/C units on rooftops, and utility sites – there is open opportunities all over our communities. We have been on many sites recently discussing the aftermath of these thefts and what we could do to prevent future loss. All of these assessments and prevention plans include the use of Proactive Video Monitoring.

Tailgates – Head scratcher here, but again a crime of opportunity, with car lots having loads of inventory at the start of COVID-19, access to the lots (pretending to be interested in vehicles) at all hours of the night. Simply put, this again is a crime around metal. Metal that could be converted to cash, which fulfills many thieves needs in a quick and efficient way. Many dealerships have reached out to us, to further discuss how we can provide a security solution that stops the crime in action, which in the case again focuses heavily on Proactive Video Monitoring, and eyes on the video as the crime is in progress.

Wood – The rising cost of wood through COVID – 19 was a shocker to many. Mills were simply not able to keep up to the demand of consumers, as consumers looked to home renovations and ways to spruce up cottages as opposed to travelling to islands or oversees. With skyrocketing demand, prices soared, and wood became a commodity that many could either no longer afford, or even source. Thieves then began to utilize this new found demand to capitalize either by stealing to create their “OWN” oasis, or to sell the stolen wood, again to convert to cash through buy and sells, Kijiji or yard sales. Of note – wood is found in several places, job sites for construction, lumber yards, mills etc. All of which had to scramble to protect the assets that were being targeted by thieves.

Job Trailers – Many contractors, builders, renovators, store all their tools, and job assets in trailers on job sites. As renovations, and build outs rose, due to an increase for some in liquid capital due to non-travel, the number of trailers being left on job sites created another crime of opportunity. These crimes are painful for small business owners, as many have invested thousands of dollars in their equipment, to have it all but disappear in a matter of one night. Criminals would hitch onto the trailer, take it off site, and be able to liquidate both the assets inside the trailer as well as the trailer itself in a matter of days. As a small business owner, with all your tools gone, finishing, or starting new jobs became either impossible or delayed. This causing stress, and panic for small business owners, and the clients they are working to service.
It has become apparent to us at Security ONE that Proactive Video Monitoring, being proactive by providing video of crimes in progress to our central station Intervention Specialists is crucial to protecting our clients’ onsite assets. All our Sales Consultants have been through extensive training to understand site vulnerabilities to be able to build a security plan together with our clients.

Book Proactive Video Consultation
September 30, 2021
Catalytic Converter Theft – How to protect your fleet from the increasing theft in our area.

At Security ONE we are constantly tasked with staying ahead of the curve when it comes to trends in thefts. It’s an ongoing battle for our research and development team to ensure that your security provider is on top of these trends, always striving to stay ahead of the curve.  This allows us to keep our clients educated and informed on these trends along with the services we provide to keep these thieves at bay. Over the past year, we’ve identified an increased trend in catalytic converter thefts, with criminals targeting commercial fleets where many opportunities exist during the night.

We recently dove into the reasoning behind catalytic converter theft and found out what is causing this spike, looking to identify the “why” behind this rather random car part being a hot theft item. So hot in fact that catalytic converter theft has risen over 2000% in the past year in Canada. The details of its worth are simple. The increase in value of many of the worlds precious metals which make up specific parts of the catalytic converter. Over the past five years, the value of these metals – Platinum and rhodium, in particular – has risen exponentially. Palladium went from about $200 USD an ounce 12 years ago to nearly $2,300 today. By comparison, the price of gold rose from approximately $1,100 an ounce USD to just over $1,700 in the same period.  Then there’s rhodium. It was worth just over $1,100 USD an ounce in early 2009; now it’s valued at more than $26,000 an ounce.  That’s why some of these organized crime groups and individuals are trying to get their hands on them. All this combined with the ease of removal, which trained thieves are able to remove most catalytic converters in 1 minute or less, with the use of simply, a sawzall, provide an easy target with high value returns. Not only does the cost of replacing the converter hit hard, at a cost of thousands of dollars, it also creates unscheduled and unwanted downtime for one or all of your fleet vehicles. This would in turn also create an indirect revenue loss.

This is where Proactive Video Monitoring comes into play, and is setting our clients up for success when it comes to protecting this valuable asset. Proactive Video Monitoring is a system we at Security ONE install that turns your reactive video system, which, yes will record the crime and present you with that evidence in the morning of what happened, into a crime in action alarm which we are then able to dispatch authorities while the thieves are onsite. With our advanced systems we are actually able to talk down to the criminal while they are committing the crime to alert them that they are committing a crime, and police have been dispatched to apprehend them.

Take a look at an example of a recent even which resulted in a spoiled theft, no loss or damages and likely have taken this business of thieves radar as they are protected.

Reach out to us at Security ONE today to discuss with one of our trained Proactive Video Monitoring Experts about how we can put your mind at ease when it comes to protecting your fleet, or any assets contained within the confines of your business.

Book Proactive Video Consultation

July 30, 2021
Security ONE Provides Video Surveillance for Community Organization vandalized multiple times

(Windsor, ON) – In the last week, WE Trans Support has been vandalized on at least three separate occasions in what has been described as hate crimes. Local Security provider Security ONE Alarms has stepped up with the donation of a Smart Video Surveillance System.

WE Trans Support Executive Director Alexander Reid says the attacks started as graffiti but have escalated. “A rusted wheel rotor from a vehicle was thrown through the front window, shattering the glass, damaging our new floors,” he said. The organization has launched a Go Fund Me page to help with the repair costs.

Responding to this plea to the community, Security ONE Alarms has stepped up with the donation of a Smart Video Surveillance System to help deter future crimes. “Security ONE stands with our partners at WE Trans Support in calling for solidarity against hatred,” said Corey Robertson, Manager of Community Partnerships at Security ONE. “Helping to protect people and organization’s property is what we do.”

Robertson went on to say that WE Trans would be receiving the latest in Video Surveillance technology. “We’re installing Smart Video Surveillance cameras with a Streaming Video Recorder that will allow for very powerful analytics of the footage that can be accessed from anywhere,” he said. “And with our 5 Diamond Award winning Central Monitoring Station, they’ll have an extra set of eyes on the property 24 hours a day.”

For Derek Roberts, President of WE Trans Support, this type of support came as a surprise. “Words cannot express our gratitude to Security ONE for helping out in our time of need,” he said. “When I got the call from Corey asking how they could help, I was just blown away.”

Robertson says giving back to the community is part of Security ONE’s DNA. “We’re grateful to Windsor and Essex County for 43 years of business,” he said. “We owe our success to our customers and our community partners.”

March 19, 2021