Avoiding Common Surveillance Mistakes

December 25th, 2023



Surveillance only works if it works. Chico, CA home or business owners cannot expect to get the most out of their investment if they’re making common mistakes that render their surveillance footage useless. By avoiding common surveillance mistakes, you can rest assured that you’re getting everything you’ve ever wanted out of your surveillance investment.

The 4 Top Surveillance Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

There are many different mistakes Chico property owners make when it comes to their surveillance. However, focusing on the top 4 covers all of the bases necessary to leave you feeling confident in your property surveillance use. The top 4 surveillance mistakes and how to avoid them are:

1. Non-functioning cameras – If your camera isn’t functioning properly, it’s simply not working. You won’t catch footage when you need it, and you’re leaving yourself in a position where you’re no safer than you were before. If criminals know your cameras are non-functional, this can be exploited by entering or committing acts where they know just the non-functioning cameras exist.

The best way to avoid this mistake is simply to perform checkups on your cameras. If you find that one is broken or not functioning correctly in any way, repair or replace the camera promptly.

2. DVR not recording – Perhaps your camera is working to capture footage, but where will this footage go if your DVR storage isn’t working? For some cameras, a power outage will require DVR to be reset in order for the camera to record footage.

To avoid this common mistake, always make sure the DVR function on your surveillance camera is working properly, and this rings particularly true after any time when power may have been lost to your security system.

3. All components not plugged in – Security cameras and surveillance systems may have several components that need to be plugged into a power source or plugged into each other. If one of these components isn’t hooked up properly to the rest, it could stop your surveillance system from picking up the footage you need.

Instead of simply trusting everything is plugged in and working properly, check all connections and components in your security system regularly.

4. Watch your video – Without high-resolution imaging, your footage may not have much benefit to you. When you purchase a security system installation, make sure to watch the footage and take note of the resolution you see. Additionally, improper placement may also result in poor footage, and your cameras may need to be moved or adjusted after installation.

Always watch your video or photo footage and make sure you’re satisfied with the quality, resolution, position, and detail.

Avoid Mistakes For The Surveillance You Want

What most people want out of their surveillance system is simple – they want safety, peace of mind, and the knowledge that they’re protected. By avoiding common mistakes made in surveillance system use and set up, you can feel confident about your decision to install a surveillance system in Chico, CA and what that system brings to you.

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
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