Peace of Mind Systems Ltd
1383 McGill Rd # 105 V2C 6K7 Kamloops, BC, Canada

It has been a while since posting anything, it has been absolutely crazy around here! New products are flowing in and there are some exciting things to share!!!! Here's a teaser: How about cameras that differentiate between humans and vehicles and get rid of the false notifications for light changes and other unwanted events? Have a look at the footage below (shared with permission) You will see the area of interest (blue polygon) and notice how the system "frames" the dog and then the human. The change to red is an indicator that we now have an authentic alarm. It is only concerned with the human! This camera also has an alarm output, meaning that you can have the camera send a signal to another device- a light, an alarm panel, or even a siren/strobe (very handy for remote properties/vacation homes)

What better way to save money on security than to create a space that is less conducive to attracting criminal behavior? Hear me out on this... We discuss the Crime Triangle in some of our posts. The Crime Triangle illustrates the three main elements of crime: 1) An Offender 2) A Victim ... 3) Opportunity Reducing the opportunity or removing it helps to mitigate crime. Its that easy. Vehicle broken into? Remove the goods in the car-that's the opportunity! Business being targeted? Reduce cues that may be encouraging that behavior. Victim of Trespass? Remove excuses for wandering and loitering behavior. That's the opportunity. Using crime prevention techniques (Like our CPTED-Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) focuses on the crime site-the spatial aspects of the target (the environment) and the specific location. If criminal activity is random, scholars and law enforcement would not have an interest in environmental criminology ( a component of CPTED) The purpose of CPTED is to solve crime related problems before they exist. It allows us to plan and design the environment to eliminate and reduce the opportunities for crime. This is why we have this training. WE ARE THE ONLY SECURITY COMPANY IN THE INTERIOR TO HAVE IT! Why is this important? While other companies are selling security based on fear, we are creating solutions that can mitigate problems based on evidence and based on a broad range of knowledge. Do you want to buy security based on a knee jerk reaction to being a victim of crime, or would you prefer to be educated on how you could better protect your property from being targeted in the first place? Marketing campaigns from other companies talk about how to better secure ourselves. How to fortress. Safer communities are not built around fortressing our homes and businesses, they are built using strategies and planning. Thieves target their victims based on cues in the environment and they can select a target in under six minutes. They can also choose to ignore a property in that same amount of time because the cues they see increase the perceived risk. Which property do you want to be?

If you are looking at security options PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the fine print. What may sound fantastic now is going to be something completely different at the other side of your contract! What you pay $27 a month for NOW will cost you $42 a month after your 3 years are up. Your automation system goes from $15 per month to $30!!! What costs $40 NOW will cost you $62 after your three years are up. Pricing is also subject to change without notice for both the offer and the ...regular pricing. Wait, it gets better.... The hardware isn't yours. It is a rental. (it's clearly written in that tiny writing in their terms and conditions.) The hardware is married to a single platform. What if you don't like it? Solution: You have to take it down and send it all back, hopefully everything is in good condition, otherwise your "Free" equipment just got really expensive. Forgot to send a sensor? Wait for the bill. The systems are set up so that their competitors cannot take it over. What's the big deal? You are faced with either paying the higher prices at the end (or cancel and wait for 90 days to pass until you can qualify for any discounts again.) Let's use a camera system for an example: Based on their $6.39 per month pricing for the camera and the $12 per month for the service: (3 year term) Camera costs you $230.04 before taxes. ($6.39 x 36) You pay $12 per month (based on one camera and you get the first month free) You pay $420 for the access to the footage. ($12 x 35 months) In total you pay $650.04 before taxes for this camera. If you want to view that camera you have to continue to pay $12 per month. You never stop paying. Don't forget about the fine print.... If you get their camera by itself: you have to have their Internet. If you don't, the fine print stipulates that the service will be cancelled. Now you have to send the camera back, hopefully you won't be billed for it and you pay $10 a month for each remaining month left on your contract for early cancellation. That camera does not work with any other platform. (its web based so its designed to keep you connect to THEIR cloud services. Sorry this is long, it takes this much effort to explain all of the hidden costs and to read the fine print so that you can make a proper decision based on data not just marketing spin.

Next course begins Feb. 17th. Please tell your co-workers and friends. Suitable for sewers and quilters alike! Follow the link for more information, including registration https://www.memoryquiltsbymarnie.ca/courses/.

Having problems with wireless cameras in your home? Having stability issues with your wireless doorbell? Our suppliers have been doing a lot of homework behind the scenes and have discovered that many of the wi-fi extenders provided by your Internet Service Provider do NOT support multi cast protocol. What does that mean? It means that the system CANNOT communicate with all of the connected devices! It can only communicate with ONE device. Simple fix: invest in third party Wi-Fi extenders that support multi cast and see if your troubles go away!!!

When using cameras to secure your businesses or even your home, consider how a cheap solution may impact your network security. Just fielded a call from a business who has had their phone hacked, their email hacked and, you guessed it, their camera system hacked. The result? No more access to footage from the cameras and the ability to cover one's tracks. (NOTE: pic for image only, not the brand in question) Your security isn't just about your door and window contacts and requires skill and education in the field to ensure that you are protecting your property as well as your network. Yes, it may require investing some money; however, look at the alternative. Our mission is Protecting your Privacy, your Property and your Peace of Mind.

If you are looking for the best options to keep your home or business safe, take a moment to have a look at your mindset toward security. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer responds to the environment it is exposed to (IE gives you a temperature after being shoved into an orifice.) A thermostat governs the environment. (it controls the climate). This is one of the driving factors behind us having CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) certification. We look at security through the lens of a thermostat. We help you to control the environment rather than responding to it. In many cases problems can be averted through simple measures, and WITHOUT security equipment. Want to know more? Send us your questions!

When considering security for your home, take the time to understand what you are getting. Security shouldn't be purchased out of fear, that is the oldest tactic in the book. High pressure sales? Another archaic method to get you to sign the dotted line. Consider how you can be proactive. Remove valuable and unnecessary paperwork from your vehicle. Why make it easy? Not to mention that when you leave your valuables in your vehicle you are sending a very very strong cue that y...our security is not at front of mind. It takes less than six minutes for a residence or a business to be targeted. Take step to protect yourself and have a look at the following checklist: 1) Did I remove my valuables from my vehicle? Not only does this attract crime to that vehicle, it brings it to the neighborhood. "if this person doesn't do it, how many others don't?" This checks a box on the intruders checklist. 2) Are my outside lights turned on? Make it easy for someone at your door to stand out. Huge bushes out front? Dense trees? Consider pruning back to increase sightlines. A lack of visibility checks another box on the intruders checklist. 3) Do I have gardening tools or ladders or other valuables around my property? Leaving ladders and tools around the yard makes the intruders job easier. If you own valuable bikes, consider storing indoors. Sheds can be easily defeated with the most remedial of tools. Invest in a quality lock. Cheap locks will not be of any use against most of the methods being used out there. This checks another box on the intruder checklist. 4) Is my vehicle visible from inside my home? How could that be improved? Having visibility to your vehicle is a huge advantage. If you can see the vehicle, this increases the perceived risk of being detected. This reduces the risk. Is your vehicle on the other side of bushes? Can anyone see it? If you cannot see the vehicle make sure that someone can. A vehicle that isn't visible has a lower perceived risk of detection. Another checkmark right here. 5) Is my front door visible from a neighbors home? Falling back to what is mentioned above. Visibility is your friend. Stand at your front door and look around. Pay close attention to the windows of the surrounding homes. Are they shuttered? If they are they aren't watching the space. If there are numerous houses with the same issue, this can become attractive for problems. Another checkmark. This checklist literally takes a couple of minutes. That time invested could be the difference between preventing crime or becoming a victim of crime. The choice is yours.

Looking for some simple security measures for the front door? We offer a wide variety of video doorbells from Honeywell, Google Nest, Hikvision and more! Curious to know more? send us a DM and we would be happy to provide you with more information! Remember - only have LICENSED installers put in your security products!

Did you know that individuals that install your security cameras HAVE to have a Security License to do so? Why? It's your privacy and it's your security! A security license puts fingerprints and photos into a database, along with a full criminal record check (why we all have this done at our company) so if a break in occurs, that database can be used to ensure that your security provider isn't the one defeating your security. If you're having cameras installed-ask to see their security license. If they cannot provide it-get them out of your house!

Just experienced another great Kamloops business, Bright Eye brewery on Tranquille Road. Not only is the service awesome, the food was fantastic. Great atmosphere and a big thumbs up for a job well done!

Proud to a supporter again this year!

The next business we would like to give a shout out to is Eat Clean Express and Meal Prep! Roberta and her team make some of the most tasty lunches and smoothies! If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out. Try the cauliflower pizza - the Greek one is to die for! #ykastrong https://www.facebook.com/106678497643155/posts/166408035003534/?vh=e&d=n

Security film is a great way to protect your business or home from unwanted visitors. This is one of the reasons we have partnered with Tint Ninjas to provide more comprehensive security solutions.

Sticking to our commitment to sharing businesses in our community that are doing a fantastic job. Visited Red Beard on Saturday for a quick bite to eat whilst running around getting ready for the week. The food there is absolutely brilliant and the portions are great. Service was awesome, patio was clean and the servers went out of their way to make it a great experience. Highly recommended them!

Was quite surprised that no one jumped on the opportunity to share information about their business. So, I will share an experience I had with a local business because they deserve props for a job well done! I went into Runners Sole about two weeks ago looking for some new runners. Wayne was super helpful and very knowledgeable. It took him a couple of minutes to ascertain why I was having issues with my previous shoes. I prefer a quality shoe over something cheap so this ti...me I wanted something really good. He hooked me up with a brand new pair of ASICS and I absolutely love them. Their prices are inline with what you see at the chain stores and they take the time to size you properly. The difference that made is astounding. So if you are in the market for some new shoes and want to support a local business give Runners Sole a try. You won’t be disappointed!! See more

Sorry about being quiet for the past bit, things have been a bit nutty and exciting things are going on behind the scenes! A recent opportunity has created the ability for us to refer $40000+ of work to local businesses! Not only are they local, they are our clients! We don't just protect your business, we want to help it grow! If you are on this page and would like to take part in a new pet project I am working on "Co-elevate Kamloops" Lets build a stronger community by l...earning more about each other. With businesses taking a hit with Covid, the time for action has begun. Take a moment, share some information about your businesses and we will keep our eyes and ears open to connect you to people who can help you grow and thrive! Every Monday will feature a business who takes the time to submit information and it will be shared through our network of partners! #ykastrong #businessowner #businesswoman

Know anyone who is looking for a new opportunity?

Privacy is important and we receive a lot of calls in regards to how to increase privacy without having to spend a ton of money. Jenny is awesome and that is why we have partnered with her on everything from residential to large scale projects! Another reason why it is better to support local businesses who support each other to provide a better level of service! Peace of Mind-Protecting your Privacy, your Property and your Peace of Mind

I wrote a piece the other day that seems to be getting some attention. It spoke of how Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design can aid in reducing the incidence of crime and can help to calm environmental cues that we may not even be aware of. I gave out 5 tips to help to increase your awareness: (to get the details check out the post I put out on Saturday) 1) make sure that all your valuables are removed from your vehicle 2) lock your vehicle.... 3) Keep your vehicle in an area where there are sightlines to it. 4) Light up your spaces using white light sources 5) remove debris from around your home. "It's easier said than done." Before we start discussing other aspects of the crime prevention techniques I want to share with you some tips on how to increase your awareness and how a simple "tweak" to your everyday activities can accomplish this. There is a simple technique that has been in use for some time now called "Point and Call." The Japanese have been using this technique on their train system for years. It looks peculiar but it is a habit that has reduced the amount of errors by 85 per cent and accidents by 30 per cent! When we can reduce errors by such a radical amount it is worth sharing! Errors are what create opportunity. "Forgot to lock the car, forgot my laptop, left my bike out front, etc..." These are errors that give a criminal the opportunity to take those things that you have worked hard for. Some may see this as victim blaming. That would be the case if we weren't trying to educate you on how to increase awareness. Now that things are moving slower and we aren't wrapped up being busy, it is a great time to look at our situational awareness and how easy it is to not be aware. It is not part of our daily routine and it should be. Would it be safe to ask that learning a simple skill that can keep your stuff where it belongs (with you) is worth looking at and giving a chance? Here is an example of a point and call that you can perform when returning home after a long day or at night before you go to bed. (Keep in mind that this can be done in your head. It has been proven to be more effective by speaking it out loud though) When we hear the words we can act upon them. "my front lights are on" (lighting up your space.) "my doors are locked." (creating that obstacle) "my car is empty." (removing temptation and the opportunity) "I can see my car." Weekends: "my space is clear." This might sound like utter nonsense to some and people are entitled to their opinion. This stuff works. In fact, it has been proven time and time again that CPTED is the MOST effective method of crime prevention.