How to Protect Your Business from Theft

January 24th, 2024



Whether you are opening the doors on a brand new startup or shepherding a business that has been around for decades in Chico, CA, you need to take the physical and data security of the operation seriously. The threats have never been greater, and the stakes have never been higher. A single data breach could destroy the reputation of your Chico business, while even a small-scale theft of intellectual property could leave your firm vulnerable for years to come.

The physical security of your business is just as important. A stolen laptop could reveal all kinds of insider data and customer information, while the theft of inventory could cost your company tens of thousands of dollars.

No matter what type of business you own or how long you have been operating in Chico, CA, the time to address your security risks is right now. Here are some key things you need to look at to keep your business, your workers and your intellectual and physical property protected.

Secure all Entrances

Physical security is an essential first step to keeping your business safe. Having secure locks on all entrance doors and making sure everything is property locked down is arguably the best way to keep your company safe from thieves.

Many Chico businesses are taking the physical security of their businesses one step further and installing key card systems. These key card systems are designed to read pass cards and only admit individuals with the proper access. Whether used on their own or in conjunction with traditional door locks and timed entry systems, these key card solutions can be very effective security measures.

Lock Down Your Network

Not all theft happens through physical access to the building. An unsecured network is like an open door - one that thieves will be happy to walk through.

If you have not yet secured your network, it is important to do so without delay. That means assigning unique and hard to guess passwords on your wireless router, firewall, company servers and individual computers.

You can further secure the company network by setting a strict password policy and requiring workers to change their passwords frequently. Setting a minimum password length of 10-12 alphanumeric and special characters and making employees change their passcodes every 30-45 days is one of the best ways to keep your network safe from hackers and other intruders.

Use Surveillance Cameras

Installing surveillance cameras can help you in a number of ways. For one thing, having a security camera at every entrance can deter thieves and make identification easier in the event of an attempted break-in in Chico, CA.

In addition to securing the building from outside intruders, a robust surveillance system can deter employee theft and keep workers honest. Some business owners choose to install surveillance cameras at strategic points inside the building to deter insider theft and provide an extra layer of protection for their physical and intellectual property.

Create a Timed Entry System

If you choose to adopt a key card system instead of traditional locks, you can further secure your business and your intellectual property by developing a timed entry system from employees. This simple step will help secure your business from insider theft and make tracking down the perpetrators easier should an after-hours robbery occur.

Developing a timed entry system is easy, especially with modern key card systems. All you need to do is divide the staff into job categories and assign each job category its own access hours. For instance, the senior staff and IT personnel could be given 24-hour access, since they may have to respond to emergencies or perform system upgrades on the weekend. At the same time, customer service personnel could be given more restricted hours, perhaps an hour before to an hour after their normal working hours.

Protecting your business in Chico, CA from common threats like data breaches, break-ins and employee theft has never been more important. Taking the steps outlined above can help you protect your investment and make sure you do not fall victim to any of these crimes.

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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