20 - Wednesda;

HELP’S AT Hand, by
North Shore Community
Services (NSCS), is a forum
for discussing government
policies and programs,
benefits, consumer and iegal
rights, taxation and public
services.

Answers are intended only as a
general guide and should not be
applied to individual cases without
further consultation.

Question: There have been 2 lot
of break-ins in our area recently.
As a result we are taking more
precautions than usual, like leav-
ing outdoor lights Gn when we're
out and asking neighbors to keep
an eye on things.

We are also thinking about hav-
ing a security system installed.
How can we be sure that the
company we choose to do the in-
stallation is trustworthy?

Answer: There are a few things
you can do to protect yourself in
any transaction and some sugges-
tions that we can make that are
specific to dealing with a home-
security company.

First of all, let’s talk about the
general precautions you can take.
{tis always wise to shop around
and to spend some time looking at
a few different companies.

Compare things like quality,
service, product warranties and
cost. Beware, however, of surpris-
ingly low quotes, which could be
an indication of low-quality ser-
vice,

Some people find it useful to
consult consumer product guides
and magazines, which are carried
by most public libraries.

The guides will provide a rating
based on product tests and
research, and they report on
almost everything from appliances
to autombiles.

FOR ANY MAKE OR
MODEL PLEASE CAL.

AMBLESIDE AUTO
SALES & LEASE
§25-3233

OR CELLULAR 351-1958

Read
Barbara Black’s
REVIEW
Wednesday in
the
North Shore News

October 7, 1992 - North Shore News

Once you have chosen a couple
of companies whose products and
service seem best, ask for an
estimate. In most cases an
estimate wiil be free of charge.

Make sure the estimate is writ-
ten and that it states exactly what
is included in the price. Find out
if the quote is guaranteed and
state that any work not included
in the estimate must be authorized
by you.

Don't be afraid to ask for ref-
erences from past customers, So

HELP’S

you can inquire about their
satisfaction with the product and
service.

Finally, you can also check with
the Better Business Bureau to find
out if the company in question
has a good service record. You
can reach them at 682-2711.

You might be pleased to know
that the B.C. government regu-
fates the security industry by

zreening applicants before gran-
ting a security licence. Businesses
and employees will have

undergone a police check before
being licenced.

Ask to see their security licence
before hiring for the job.
Employees must carry their securi-
ty licence on them and show it
when requested. An employee
licence includes a photograph and
an annual renewal sticker.

if you have any problems with
a security business or employee,
or you would like to report that
someone is operating without a
licence, you can write to: Regis-

trar of Security Agencies, Security
Programs Division, Police Services
Branch, Ministry of Attorney
General, 2881 Nanaimo St., Vic-
toria, B.C., V8V 1X4.

Be sure to include as many
details as possible. Complaints
must be made in writing, but you
can call 387-6981 for further in-
forrnation.

This column is prepared with
financial assistance from the
Notary Foundation. For more in-
formation call NSCS at 985-7138.

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4

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Children (Under 6)

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