How A Hidden Camera Can Help

April 2nd, 2024



One of the reasons why people get security cameras in Chico, CA is for the sake of deterrence.  When people know they’re being watched and recorded, they’re less likely to do something illegal.  However, that’s obviously not a benefit you can get when you hide your cameras, either by camouflaging it to look like something else or by hiding the camera’s housing behind a wall or a one-way mirror.  So what’s the benefit of having a hidden camera, and how does it make up for losing that deterrence factor?

Discover An Ongoing Crime

It’s often the case that people in Chico, CA choose to buy security cameras because a theft or other crime has already happened, or it keeps happening over and over but you don’t have any idea who could be committing the crime.  Placing a visible camera in the area where the crime takes place can stop thefts and vandalism from happening, but you won’t be able to bring the criminal who wronged you before to justice.  A hidden camera will put criminals off their guard so you can catch them in the act.

Monitor Your Kids

Children can get rowdy and fight each other, plus they learn to lie at a surprisingly young age.  With one or two well-placed hidden cameras, you can learn how they act when you aren’t around and you can reward or punish them appropriately without having to take their word for what happened while you were away.  Just remember to be discrete about how you’re learning what you know so they won’t learn about the cameras and figure out how to bypass them.

Take Advantage Of Modern Technology

Cameras in Chico, CA used to be big, bulky devices that you could only reasonably hide behind a one-way mirror.  However, today’s digital cameras can be small enough to fit on phones, and they’re definitely small enough to fit in something completely different while giving you a clear image.  For instance, some camouflaged cameras you can buy today can look like:

  • Outlets
  • Functional pens
  • Watches
  • Clocks and alarm clocks
  • Books
  • Smoke detectors

Thanks to wireless recording, hidden cameras can send all the information they gather to a remote location or your cloud server, and by being motion activated the camera will save its batteries by only recording when there’s something going on in the direction it’s pointed.  You’ll still have to explain what the device on your wireless network is, but many cameras will automatically conceal themselves by using misleading names for the device list.  Overall, it’s easier now than it ever was to set up a hidden camera wherever you want and quietly record crimes in progress.

Visible cameras act as crime deterrents.  On the other hand, hidden cameras are useful as a way to spot crimes in Chico, CA as they happen and to discover how people act when they think you can’t see them.  What you choose to do with this information is up to you, but thanks to these features a hidden camera or two can be an invaluable part of any comprehensive security system.

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