One of the key factors in selecting a commercial security system and partner company is how integrated the solution is across a business's many security needs. Another factor is affordability.

That’s where Sonitrol’s TotalGuard™ comes to the forefront. 

Sonitrol’s TotalGuard™ solution was designed specifically for the small to medium business market and offers affordable and professional security. Previously, many small business owners pieced together their own security system from off-the-shelf technology because it was cheap and ready to go. But those systems aren’t integrated, or verified, or monitored by professionals. The result was security protection in name only. TotalGuard™ is an all-in-one, edge-based device that acts as a standalone IoT panel. Each TotalGuard™ device includes Sonitrol impact activated audio detection, glass break analytics, video verification and surveillance, motion and wireless connectivity, all professionally monitored by a Sonitrol Central Station.

In addition to its many powerful features, the solution was needed for the ability to easily connect with other alarm points as each business has different security needs. Here’s a CCTV video clip of an actual TotalGuard™ apprehension!

Businesses are the number one target for crime in Canada, and commercial business owners are right to be concerned about the security of their property. For this reason, it’s essential that business owners prevent burglary with the implementation of a unique security plan.

Unfortunately, many business owners believe they can solve this themselves. They piece together various off-the-shelf products and create what they believe to be a passable security solution. This doesn’t work, and it leaves your assets and employees vulnerable. 

Whether you’re a new, old, moving, or expanding business, it’s important to understand the choices you have when securing your work environment, and protecting yourself from security threats. It’s important to be aware of both internal and external threats; internal such as shrinkage, errors or employee theft, and external such as break-ins or robbery.When searching for a commercial security system or solution, it’s vital to understand your industry’s risks and how your business is vulnerable, to avoid common security mistakes. Below are some of the most frequent commercial security mistakes we’ve identified.

Monitored and verified CCTV / video security systems ensure your business is protected. Anytime you're not watching, criminals will seize the chance to act.

CCTV surveillance can be used to protect companies in a number of industries. Surveillance doesn’t just mean installing a CCTV camera. The system needs to be monitored and alarms verified, otherwise a CCTV camera is just a recording device.

Here are 8 businesses that can benefit greatly from the use of monitored and verified CCTV and video security systems.

We’re proud of our exceptional relationship with law enforcement, local police and the RCMP. Good police relations have always been at the core of what we do, along with offering the best in customer service to businesses, large and small.

On one hand, we work closely with business owners to put in place the best security technology available, and on the other hand we monitor and report on any security breaches that occur – speaking directly to emergency services (911) and passing on surveillance to local authorities in real-time.

Protecting your business from break-ins and theft is at the core of commercial security solutions. After all, you want to ensure your employees and company assets are safe. But what about lesser damage such as vandalism? Vandalism may cost you less in terms of clean-up, but it is still and expense you don’t need, can damage your brand image, and can be an indication that criminals in the area think your facility is an easy mark.

Wineries are big business in BC, and exports of Canadian wine are growing each year. In 2016, Canadian exports totalled 71.4 million litres, valued at $80.1 million. B.C. is now home to over 800 vineyards, representing approximately 1/3rd of Canada’s total vineyards across the country.

When an employee misplaces their key to your business, it should never be taken lightly. A lost key not only puts your business at greater risk for trespassing, vandalism, and theft, it can also put your employees at risk if they are at the office when a criminal gains access. 

That's why it's critical that misplaced keys are reported immediately and that access to the affected areas be changed - the longer you wait, the longer you risk that someone will use the key.

Business owners are right to be concerned about the security of their facility and property. Businesses are the number one targets for crime. The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association estimates that property crime averages 75% of all crime committed. 

It's true that some types of commercial enterprises are more attractive to thieves because of what they sell or inventory - medical marijuana, jewelry, electronics, to name a few, but even if you aren't in high-end retail, don't be fooled into thinking you are safe. Thieves break into constructions sites, tire warehouses, fenced compounds, and even ordinary business offices, to steal information like employee data for identify theft.

Property crime is one of the top policing priorities for the RCMP. Last year, Surrey RCMP reported over 24,000 property crimes, and over 700 business break and enters. Across Canada, these statistics are typical for urban neighbours where commercial crimes are typically an issue.

With numbers like these, it’s clear that security should be front and centre with business owners.