CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In recognition of Canada’s National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Month, Vivint, one of the largest home automation companies in North America, is highlighting stories of real customers who have experienced the dramatic benefits of a smart home’s security features.
“Protecting families is the primary mission of our company,” said Vivint’s chief operating officer Alex Dunn. “Our extended home automation features enhance our best-in-class security and 24/7/365 service. Keeping homes and families safe is our number one priority.”
Home automation or “smart home” systems with robust residential security features can provide a critical line of defense when criminals strike. In addition to preventing burglaries in the homes where they are installed, a study by researchers at the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark, New Jersey found that residential alarm systems help lower the crime rate in surrounding neighborhoods.
A Harrowing Experience
A criminal attack on family and home creates feelings of vulnerability, and often leads to consumers looking for ways to fortify the home front. Oftentimes, they turn to new technologies that can provide safety, as well as other benefits like energy efficiency and convenience.
This spring, Mission, British Columbia resident and Vivint customer Monica Whatley and her family were attacked in their home. “For about an hour, we fought off the attacker, who was determined to harm my son—and us,” she said. The police apprehended the man, but he was released on bail. Monica and her family immediately got a Vivint home security and automation system installed in their home.
Not long after having the system installed, Monica and her husband were awakened by two masked intruders attempting to get in through the basement window. She pushed the panic alarm on the Vivint panel. The intruders immediately ran away, but stayed parked across the street in their car. “I’m pretty sure they were waiting to see if the police would actually show up,” said Monica. Thanks to Vivint’s 24/7/365 monitoring, an operator had already called law enforcement. Within minutes, two police cars were at the Whatley home.
“I am so thankful that Vivint is part of our family,” said Monica. “They were with me in one of my darkest hours and did everything they had promised, and more.”
Preventing Break-ins
Vivint customer Chris Pettie of Edson, Alberta had just moved into a new home when her lawn tractor was stolen from her locked shed. “The burglars pulled the lock off with a crow bar, and we could see from the tracks that they just pushed it out, down the drive to a waiting vehicle,” she said. “There was also evidence that they had come back over the next few days to see if there was anything else they could steal because they knew there was no security system in place.”
On her boss’ recommendation, Chris had a Vivint home automation system installed that included full security features and cameras. “I love being able to manage my system from my home, as well as remotely from my computer and smartphone,” she said. “The cameras have captured footage of several people trying to break in, which we submitted to authorities. And although the crooks have tried, Vivint has prevented them from stealing any more of our property. I felt invaded when we were burglarized. With Vivint, I finally feel safe.”
Tech-Savvy Safety
Smart home features can also provide peace of mind even in non-emergency situations. Maya Morcilla-Moreno of Winnipeg, Manitoba uses her Vivint home automation system to ensure her four children are safe.
“I use my phone to check in on my home when I’m away, and I love being able to arm and disarm my system remotely,” she said. “I use different codes for each child so that I can keep track of who’s coming and going. Plus, it’s so reassuring to know that if there’s a problem, my kids can speak to a live Vivint operator right away through our in-home panel. It’s so simple to operate, even my children can use it.”
About Vivint
Vivint Inc. is a leading provider of home technology services in North America. Vivint’s technology-based platform integrates a wide range of wireless features and components that deliver simple, affordable home automation. In 2011, Vivint's Full Home Automation package and Advanced Security package received a Consumers Digest "Best Buy" rating. Dedicated to protecting families, increasing energy efficiency, and simplifying lives, Vivint has more than 12 years of experience and supports over 570,000 customers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vivint.com.