AlarmForce Blog

Beware the Door-To-Door Salesperson

Richard — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:29:42 +0000

Too often in the home alarm industry, we hear of innocent consumers who are lied to and cheated by door-to-door salespeople. This is largely because of the routine use of high-pressure sales tactics and outright lying to gain a sale. Often there are often hidden fees which are never discussed. Sometimes the door-to-door salesperson will quote one rate for monitoring service, then raise that rate after you sign up. Most will never explain to the consumer that they are outsourcing the monitoring to another company. What we have is a series of broken and false promises, with all sense of ethics and quality control thrown right out the window.

At AlarmForce, we never go door to door. Consumers are free to call 1-800-267-2001 to get all the information on the phone with no pressure.

The following article comes from Security Systems News (May 2010 Edition), and is one of many examples that exposes the deceit and manipulation associated with door-to-door home alarm sales. We will keep posting these articles as they come in the future.

REMEMBER, NEVER TRUST DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES PEOPLE. Here’s why…

Pinnacle settles with Illinois AG

Pinnacle says it ‘will create a new industry standard that will be proven out over time’

By Martha Entwistle - 03.25.2010

CHICAGO—The Illinois Attorney General’s office announced this week that it had settled an October 2009 lawsuit against summer sales model company Pinnacle Security.

The lawsuit charged that Pinnacle door-to-door salespeople targeted customers of competitors, particularly ADT customers, and used deceptive sales tactics to switch customers from ADT to Pinnacle.

“Many Illinois homeowners who signed up for home security products as a result of Pinnacle’s false claims were stuck paying for services they didn’t need,” said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in a statement. “This agreement is intended to put an end to those fraudulent sales practices, require the company to police its sales force more closely and provide some relief for customers.”

Under the settlement, Pinnacle has agreed to pay restitution to eligible Illinois consumers who entered into security contracts as the result of deceptive sales tactics.

Additionally, Pinnacle has agreed to ensure that its sales people accurately represent for whom they work, the service terms of a contract, and any termination fees they may be liable for if they currently have a contract with another home security company. Pinnacle also agreed to not pay commission to sales personnel who obtain contracts through fraudulent tactics.

Pinnacle COO Steve Hafen said his company “worked closely with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to investigate, identify and eliminate instances where individuals acted outside of our established code of conduct.” He emphasized that the settlement is specific to certain personnel and there was “no overarching issue with our products or services.”

In addition, he noted that Pinnacle has, over the past several months “implemented sweeping changes in compliance and protocol that address the areas of personnel, training and detection and enforcement which continue to be implemented nationwide, including in Illinois, and are resolving current issues and dramatically reducing the potential for further incidents.”

Hafen said Pinnacle believes its internal initiatives “will create a new industry standard that will be proven out over time.” Further, he said that Pinnacle Security “would not tolerate individuals that behave outside of our code of conduct.”

Pinnacle’s has created new ways to get feedback directly from its customers to improve service. “One of several initiatives we have recently implemented is a customer service survey to better gauge ongoing levels of satisfaction,” Hafen said. While all complaints are taken seriously, Hafen pointed out that the number of complaints is a small percentage of Pinnacle customers: “The new protocols and compliance initiatives were created to resolve issues representing less than 0.5 percent of our growing clientele. We are not comfortable with any level of dissatisfaction.”

http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/?p=article&id=ss201003msABqW

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AlarmForce Receives A+ Rating From The Better Business Bureau

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:32:23 +0000

At AlarmForce we take the customer service we provide seriously. Our goal is to give each of our customers the most outstanding service and security possible. From the moment a customer first calls in for product information to the installation of their system to our central station monitoring, we understand that the customer experience is paramount.

AlarmForce is proud to announce that this focus on excellence has garnered us with the distinction of having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau assigns ratings by evaluating business in more than 20 criteria. To receive an A+ rating some of the criteria examined include:

Low volume of complaints reported by customers compared to industry standards.
The action plan companies have in place to respond to customer complaints.
Whether the company honours commitments to mediate disputes and comply with arbitrators decisions
That the company is in good standing and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
The length of time the business has been in operation and in good standing.

Grades for all criteria are measured with scores ranging from A to F.

The AlarmForce team is very proud of our A+ rating and pledge to all of our customers that our outstanding customer service and home alarm monitoring will continue to maintain only the highest level of excellence in the future.

To learn more about the criteria set out by the Better Business Bureau please visit this site.

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AlarmForce Announces the Adoption of a Shareholder Protection Rights Plan

Richard — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:22:54 +0000

AlarmForce Industries Inc. announces today that the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the adoption of a shareholder rights plan, effective March 3, 2010. The purpose of the shareholder rights plan is to ensure, to the extent possible, that all shareholders of the Corporation are treated equally and fairly in connection with any initiative to acquire control of the Corporation.

The purpose of the rights plan is to encourage a potential bidder to make a “Permitted Bid”, having terms and conditions designed to meet the objectives of the rights plan, or to negotiate the terms of an offer with the Board of Directors of the Company. A Permitted Bid is a take-over bid that is made to all holders of voting shares of the Company (other than the bidder) for all of the voting shares held by them, by way of a take-over bid circular prepared in compliance with applicable securities laws, that remains open for acceptance by shareholders of the Company for 60 days, and that satisfies certain other conditions.

The Company is not aware of any specific take-over bid for the company that has been made or is contemplated. The rights plan is not intended to and will not prevent a take-over of the company.

The rights plan must be confirmed by shareholders within six months of its effective date. The Company currently plans to seek shareholder approval of the rights plan at its annual and special meeting, expected to be held on April 14, 2010. The listing of the rights is subject to acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

A complete copy of the rights plan is available upon request. Shareholders wishing to receive a copy of the rights plan should make their request by telephone at (416) 445-2001, by facsimile at (416) 445-9381, by email at investorreltations@alarmforce.com or by mail to AlarmForce Industries Inc., 675 Garyray Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9L 1R2, Attention: Ms. Margaret Brady. A copy of the rights plan will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

AlarmForce Industries Inc.
Investors Relations Department
416-445-2001 ext. 225
416-445-9381 (FAX)
investorrelations@alarmforce.com

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Break and Entering: Top 20 Toronto Neighbourhoods

Richard — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:19:16 +0000

Using crime statistics gathered from 2004 to 2009, the following list shows the top 20 neighbourhoods in Toronto for break and enters. It is interesting to note that the neighbourhoods with the highest rate of break ins are not necessarily the wealthiest, as you might expect. There are many factors which may contribute to a higher crime area.

Recent police studies have shown that a home with a security system is more than three times less likely to suffer a break and enter. At AlarmForce, Live 2-Way Voice installation is FREE and the monitoring is only $25 per month!

Top 20:

1 University
2 Bay Street Corridor
3 Kensington-Chinatown
4 Moss Park
5 Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills
6 East End-Danforth
7 Casa Loma
8 York University Heights
9 Annex
10 Church-Yonge Corridor
11 Waterfront Communities-The Island
12 Rosedale-Moore Park
13 Woodbine Corridor
14 Clairlea-Birchmount
15 West Humber-Clairville
16 South Riverdale
17 Little Portugal
18 Roncesvalles
19 The Beaches
20 Forest Hill South

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How Can Motion Sensor Alarms Improve My Safety?

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:35:51 +0000

Many people ask us questions everyday about the products and services that we use at AlarmForce. In this feature our goal is to educate you on the importance of using motion sensors as part of your security solution.

What are Motion Sensor Alarms?

Motion Sensor Alarms detect movement in a specified area or beam of coverage. These types of alarms will analyze patterns, sense irregularities in common patterns and report them. They come in various types including light sensors, radar sensors or systems using sound waves.

Parts of a Motion Sensor Alarm

Motion Sensor Alarms consist of a sensor, controller and a speaker. The Controller controls the system, it can be used to activate / inactivate the alarm. The Controller requires a password for authentication.

Sensors monitor the area to be protected. We can program the system to switch off during certain parts of the day. Advanced systems allow the owner to send signals via a SMA code using the mobile system to disable the motion alarm system.

Motion Sensor Alarm Installation

Some Motion Alarm Systems can be monitored via an online interface as well. You can install motion sensor cameras which record movements. The motion sensor analyzes the pattern in the specific area of the house using light waves, soundwaves and sometimes radar waves. As soon as an irregularity in the pattern is sensed this set of the alarm. Usually the best places to install the motion sensor alarms are doors, big windows, hallways, radiators, stairs etc.

Why use a Motion Sensor Alarm?

Burglar alarm systems help to turn away intruders. In fact, homes that have burglar alarm systems are 3 times less likely to be robbed than those without. The motion sensor alarm usually senses the disturbance and sets off the alarm alerting the owners and neighbours too. But there are certain advanced motion sensor alarms that notify an emergency situation to the local police station. Some of the advanced burglar systems can even tell the difference between intruders and animals (usually house pets).

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Burglar Alarm Systems for Apartments

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:00:55 +0000

Apartments are easy pickings for burglars. Most apartment buildings do not have a monitoring system at the entrance. Some require an access code to get in. It is difficult to prevent non-residents from getting into the building. All day long there is foot traffic; someone might ask to be let in because they couldn’t reach their friend or pretending to be a delivery person. When we do let them in, it is difficult to ensure if it was a genuine visitor or a burglar.

Apartment residents have to consider their safety very carefully. One of the safest and easiest ways is by installing a Burglar Alarm System in the apartment.

If you look at the statistics we have posted on our Blog entitled “How To Prevent Burglaries”, you will notice that crime rate is still pretty high in most countries.

Here is another graph showing violent crimes by province, in Canada.

For a detailed analysis you can take a look at www.statcan.ca http://www41.statcan.ca/2007/2693/ceb2693_000_e.htm

Prevention is always and should always be the first step in avoiding personal loss. Burglars are usually looking for houses which are unattended or have no burglar system installed. If burglars notice that a home burglar system has been installed, they target the next house. It is the perfect deterrent for a house burglary.

Burglars when questioned by Crime prevention professionals have mentioned that they do not attempt to break into houses which have lots of lighting, have a television or radio on, or have an Alarm System installed.

Few tips to secure your apartment from burglars

Install automatic lights which are set to go on at preset timings in a day. This is one of the best systems to use when you are on vacation or come late from work. Light timer switches are pretty inexpensive and help give the impression that someone is at home.

Secure your doors and windows, check all locks and replace worn out locks. Deadbolt door locks are more secure than regular locks and are worth the investment.

Have a peephole installed so that you can notice who is at your door.

If you live on a lower floor make sure that the backyard is always clean and toys or other items are put away.

Install a suitable Alarm System. Paste stickers provided by your Alarm System company in visible areas. These act as great deterrents for the wary burglar.

Types of Alarm Systems

There are essentially two types of Alarm systems, hardwired and wireless alarm systems. Both are effective when installed properly. Many residents prefer Wireless Alarm Systems because they do not require any cables running through the house.

Installation is easier in wireless alarm systems, and easier to reinstall while moving your home or restructuring your house. Wireless systems require a battery to be installed which needs to be monitored and replaced from time to time.

State Of The Art Home Security With AlarmForce

AlarmForce, the most trusted name in home security, is dedicated to providing its customers with unmatched security and the most advanced technologies available. Only with AlarmForce do you get the most effective method of security, live two-way voice, free in every system! Live two-way voice provides fast communication between your home and our state of the art central station once your alarm is triggered. It has been proven that live two-way voice is the best method of home protection and is the reason why AlarmForce secures over 150,000 people across North America.

For more information please contact our customer care department at 1-800-267-2001

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Monitoring Matters In Home Security

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:46:36 +0000

As with most others the home security industry also has seen advances on the technology front with the passage of time. New tools and products have been released by companies frequently that provide better protection and promise a more secure life. The good thing is that today even the average home-owner has access to complete home security systems that were used previously only by the big companies and wealthy individuals. One of the most exciting advances have been the development of monitored home alarm systems.

How Alarm Monitoring Works

A monitored home security system allows a security company to remotely monitor your home for signs of burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, or other medical emergencies. The monitoring company first installs its pre-programmed alarm system in a home. If the home already has a system that is not configured for monitoring, the company can re-program and make it ready. Now the security system starts monitoring the premises. When an intrusion takes place it sounds an alarm and alerts the company’s central monitoring station using the telephone line. The trained personnel at the station instantly contacts the police or fire service and the home-owner himself.

How Monitoring Helps

Having a monitored security system provides the optimum protection for your home. In addition to providing an extra line of defence, home security systems with remote monitoring services ensure that an intruder will have less time to steal valuables from the house in the event of a break-in. Once the alarm is sounded and the authorities are notified, the likelihood is that the burglar will leave empty handed or, better yet, be caught red handed. They also provide peace of mind to parents leaving children or elderly family members at home alone given that most monitoring services allow one-touch connection with the security company in the event of an emergency.

How AlarmForce Does It

AlarmForce uses live two-way voice technology for its monitoring service. Live two-way voice provides fast communication between your home and our state of the art central station once your alarm is triggered. In the case of a break-in, our certified central station operators are immediately notified and they establish a live audio link between them and your house. This advanced wireless alarm system allows our operators to assess any emergency situations that occur and voice threaten the intruder that the authorities are actually on their way. Live two-way voice is ideal, since it lets us understand any situation, whether a burglary, home invasion or medical emergency is occurring and then deal with the situation instantly and effectively, giving you the ultimate in peace of mind.

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Basic Home Security Tips To Keep Burglars At Bay

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:01:30 +0000

There are many ways to make your home secure, to keep it free from burglaries and break-ins. But if you think it over, all of them aim to achieve the exact same thing. That is to make your residence an uninviting target for the burglar. By employing the various home security methods, whether it’s basic precautions or use of home alarm systems, you are actually trying to state very clearly that burglars are not welcome aboard.

It’s true that an adept burglar can probably intrude into any home but it’s also true that very few of them are around. Most burglars as we have said earlier are opportunists looking for easy targets. Make your home hard to get in and you keep them at bay. Now then, just how would you keep them at bay, how can the home be made unattractive to the burglar. Let’s look.

Properly maintain the property

This is one of the most basic things and yet it’s not always done right. A well-maintained yard and surroundings can play their part in discouraging the burglar. Burglars love places to hide and keeping your trees and bushes trimmed regularly cuts down on the hiding spots. Also, make sure any yard or garden tools are not lying around for these can help a burglar break-in.

Keep your property well lit

Lighting is another important aspect that is not often paid proper attention to. As said above burglars like to hide and darkness makes it easier to hide. Some kind of lighting at entry points like doors and windows is something a burglar does not want to see. And if you don’t like the idea of having the lights on all the time then you can very well use motion-detector equipped lights. But keeping your home well lit can prove to be a good deterrent against burglars.

Keep the home always occupied

Give the impression that someone is always present even when you are away or out of the home. There are several ways to do this. The easiest trick is turning on the lights when you are gone. Another way is to put lights on timer switches that displays at dusk and goes off later. Such lights would make a person think someone is at home. Even appliances like the Television can be set with such switches. Also don’t leave any signs that you aren’t at home. Things like newspapers, piled up and letters in the mailbox can convey the message that the home is empty.

Lock the windows and doors

It might be silly to say this but the fact is that many people fail to observe this simple but effective step. By leaving the doors and windows unlocked you are just giving way to the burglar too easily. So make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked.

By no means is this a complete list. These are some of the very basic things that you can do. In fact you might already know them but the question is that are you putting them to practice. If no is the answer then it’s in your interest to get started.

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How Many Sensors Does AlarmForce Put Into Your House

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:27:13 +0000

AlarmForce wants to help you protect your entire house. We want to put you at ease and figure out ways to best secure your premises.

Most customers have raised the question “How Many Sensors Does AlarmForce Put in My House?”.

AlarmForce offers you the ability to tailor the system to your needs, whether it is to protect your entire house or selected rooms; you can choose the number of sensors to install. We have found that our basic package is more than sufficient for the average house, however if you wish to add extra protection, the system is completely adaptable to individual needs. Smoke detectors, wireless pendants, and a variety of other components are available to meet your needs.

I have a dog or cat at home

If you have a cat or a dog you can still install AlarmForce. Almost 50% of AlarmForce’s customers have pets. The sensors can be positioned to create a “pet alley” that allows your pets to be mobile while the alarm is set. Because our system is wireless it is very easy to adapt for pets.

Windows Contacts Versus Motion Sensors

Window contacts are expensive and ineffective. A thief can simply break the window glass, without opening it, and enter your home without tripping the alarm. AlarmForce knows that the most effective system in home protection involves motion sensors. By combining motion sensors with our patented two-way communication technology, you will be in direct voice contact with an AlarmForce operator almost immediately after a break-in. In certain specific situations window sensors can be installed, often coupled with glass break sensors.

Questions And Answers

If you do not see your question already listed among those most “frequently asked“, please contact us at 1-800-267-2001 or click here to email your questions to us.

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How to Prevent Burglaries

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:42:58 +0000

Browsing through the Internet I came across some statistics for Burglaries in Canada. While the statistics are a bit old, it does give us a grim picture. As per the statistic below, Canada improved its relative grade from a “C” in the 1990s to a “B” in the 2000s.

The best part is that there is a noticeable reduction in burglaries by increased awareness among the residents of Canada.

Preventing Burglaries is the best remedy. You can install home alarm systems which will help thwart burglars.

What does a burglar think?

When someone tries to break into a house or a vehicle they look for easy pickings. Houses which have no security system in place, homeowners gone on a family vacation, houses where the owner lives alone are the most preferred targets.

The deterring factor is when they notice that a burglar alarm system has been installed. They would rather go on to the next house rather than get caught or waste their time trying to break in.

They want to limit risk.

What part can you play in preventing your house from getting burgled?

Install a peephole so that you can be careful who enters your house.
Clean up your yard off all toys and litter, keep it clean. Don’t entice people to pick up stuff lying around.
Close all doors & windows whenever you are away. It does not matter how long you are gone.
If you have a home alarm system installed, make sure it is switched on.
Install lights outside the house. Lights deter burglars. You can invest in motion sensor lights or lights which work on timers. This is well worth the investment, especially when you are away on a vacation.
Try to minimize dark corners, so that there are no places for someone to hide and keep watch.
Convicted burglars have reported that they avoid houses where they can hear voices or radio or television. They would rather break into a house which is unoccupied. They have also stated that they scout the home to determine if there is a house alarm, and if so they try to avoid the house.
Most localities have a neighborhood watch; try to tap into these resources. Engage in conversations with your neighbours so that they help and keep watch for you when required.
If you notice any suspicious activity or a burglary, make sure to report it immediately.
If you are living in an apartment don’t let in unknown persons into the building. This is how most burglars gain entry.
Before going on a vacation have someone pick up all your mails and newspapers. You can also stop the newspaper service for a while. Throw out all trash and leave the premises clean. The intention is that people shouldn’t have a clue that you might be away. Inform neighbors you can trust or a relative to check on the house once in a while.

Some other Articles which might interest you:

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