3 Ways To Protect Your Business From Theft

December 22nd, 2023



There are all kinds of ways to lose money to theft.  Customers could shoplift, burglars could show up after dark and steal valuable equipment, vandals could damage the property and steal metal or even trees, and employees can abuse the trust they receive to steal intellectual property or commit fraud. Chico, CA Businesses need to come up with countermeasures for each kind of theft, and for many varieties, it helps to have a comprehensive and integrated security system. 

Access Control

“Access control” refers to any method you use to prevent people from going places they shouldn’t.  These include:

  • Door locks, including basic deadbolts with house keys and electronic locks that work with number combinations or RFID chips.
  • Timed locks that either open at a specific time each day or only open in sequence so an employee can’t pass their card back to someone else.  Timed locks can also prevent employees from entering areas before or after hours when they might have a chance to do something illegal when no one else is around.
  • Window locks, seals, and shutters that prevent people from entering or leaving except through designated doors.
  • Fire doors that only open when the fire alarm goes off and everyone inside needs to find an exit quickly.

Network Security

The news these days is full of examples of companies that didn’t secure their computer networks well enough and had valuable information stolen by hackers.  Network security measures that can prevent this include:

  • Encrypting the network and information so only authorized users can access it.
  • Strong passwords that are unique for different systems and different employees.  Longer passwords with unusual characters are more secure, and changing passwords often also helps.  However, you should be careful about adding too many requirements because doing so will make employees more likely to write them down.
  • Secure internal networks that prevent employees from accessing information and programs that are outside the scope of their job.
  • Computers with hardware locks that won’t accept unknown programs from plugged-in hardware.

Surveillance

Surveillance cameras can’t stop crimes in Chico, CA from happening on their own, but surveillance has plenty of ways it can help:

  • If you have someone actively monitor camera feeds, that person can do something about a crime in progress.
  • After a crime takes place, the footage can help catch and convict the perpetrator.
  • Companies can also use footage that proves that nothing bad happened to defend themselves against lawsuits and accusations.
  • The presence of visible cameras can deter people from committing crimes since they know they’ll be recorded and very often caught afterwards.

A comprehensive security system should also have things like intercoms that help people speak to each other in different parts of a building or make a general announcement.  You should also have an alarm system that can go off when someone enters the wrong area, breaks a window, or tries to grab something valuable and run.  You may have to worry about theft even with all of these systems in place, but they will definitely cut down the number of ways people can steal from your business in Chico, CA.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268