4 Ways To Keep Your Home Safe During Vacation

January 2nd, 2023



If you live and work in Chico, CA one of the things you probably look forward to once or twice a year is a bit of time off to take a well-earned vacation and go someplace new. Whether it’s a new location in the USA or seeing the world by visiting another country, vacations are always fun and rewarding when adequately planned.

However, that means that while you’re away Chico, CA, your home is vulnerable. Fortunately, crimes such as theft have been dropping in recent years. But the reason for that is not because criminals have developed a conscience, so much as people are taking better precautions and security systems are a good deterrence. If you’re going on vacation and you want to ensure your home is safe, here are four ways to keep things secure.

Don’t Advertise Your Vulnerability

Many people make this mistake, though it’s understandable. If you’re going on vacation, you want to share the good news. However, it’s always better to do this verbally, among acquaintances, rather than on social media where everyone can see it.

Once you’ve announced on social media that you are going to another destination for a few days or even a few weeks, you’ve exposed your vulnerability. You may have only intended it for friends, but anyone with criminal intentions now knows how much time they have to find your home and rob it.

Keep Keys With A Neighbor

If you want to have a spare key available, keep it with a neighbor, don’t leave it hidden in a convenient spot, such as under the welcome mat, or a potted plant on the porch. Thieves know residents have favorite hiding places and are experienced at searching them. If you keep keys with a neighbor, this prevents them from gaining easy entry.

Have A Neighbor Collect Mail

If you’re still getting a newspaper delivered to your door, or you get a lot of mail regularly, have a neighbor, or someone else agrees to pick it up for you daily. Days worth of newspapers at your doorstep or a mailbox overflowing with mail are just more signs to smart thieves that no one is home, and they can take their time breaking in.

Get A Security System

Finally, it’s always a good idea to give people a clear sign right away that your home is a difficult target. The presence of security cameras and a sign indicating that you have an alarm system in the house are good ways to encourage thieves to give your home a pass. Thieves want an easy time stealing, and the presence of security systems automatically makes your home a less appealing proposition when there are other, less well-defended targets they could be robbing instead.

If you have a home here in Chico, CA and you’re interested in making it safer and more secure, whether you’re home or not, we can help. Contact us, and we can conduct an assessment of your property to find out the best ways to boost your security.

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"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
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