Is Your Parking Lot Secure?

September 7th, 2023



Parking lots are often areas where security measures can be highly beneficial. These spaces can attract a variety of activities and behaviors, making it crucial to have effective security systems in place for the safety of cars and people alike.

For example, throughout the country, Walmart parking lots are notorious for being sites for crime. Of course, the reason for this is simple. There are many vehicles, some may have valuables in them, and because it’s a retail outlet, anyone can potentially come out with valuable items like new TVs or video game consoles worth stealing.

This is why if you have a commercial property here in Chico, CA, you should think about whether your parking lot is secure or not. Here are some ways to ensure a safer experience for everyone.

Bright Lights

Parking lots are often targeted because cars themselves have value if they can be stolen. Even if they can’t, individual car parts and valuables in vehicles are also potential loot for thieves. One reason thieves like parking lots is that poorly lit areas make it much easier to break into cars at night.

Good lighting is a way to reduce this risk. It’s much more difficult to hide in the shadows waiting or commit crimes in a brightly lit area. Thieves don’t like anything that increases risk, and higher visibility is one of those things.

Security Personnel

If you invest in security guards, you’ll see an immediate drop in parking lot related crime. Nothing deters crime more than armed security, and most thieves are completely unwilling to risk a confrontation with a security guard. As long as you have qualified, trained personnel on the site, a significant drop in crime will occur.

This is also extremely helpful for people going to their vehicles. In particular, women are often targeted for robbery or even sexual assault as they make their way to cars. Security providing escort means a safer experience for everyone.

Surveillance Cameras

Another valuable asset for parking lot safety is the use of surveillance cameras. Eye witness memory is not always reliable when recalling specific identifying details of a thief or assailant. Quality high definition, or even ultra high definition cameras, however, captures everything with clarity. They can even be handed over to police to help with an investigation. If an arrest is made, they can be submitted in court as evidence to secure a prosecution.

Thieves realize that the presence of security cameras means they are much more likely to have crucial identifying characteristics recorded, and thus their risk of arrest goes up. Even a poorly lit parking lot can benefit from low light cameras that can still capture a high degree of detail.

If you’re interested in making sure your parking lot in Chico, CA is safer for everyone, contact us. We can look at your property, see the size that needs to be covered, whether it’s a sheltered car park or an open space, and find the right security measures to protect vehicles and their owners.

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