Outsmarting Burglars And Protecting Your Home

July 20th, 2023



Outsmarting Burglars And Protecting Your Home

To outsmart a burglar in CA, you need to learn how they think. If you can do this, you can find better ways to protect yourself and your property and develop more effective defensive strategies for your home.

According to the FBI, there were 1.2 million burglaries in the United States in 2018. This number represents approximately 17 percent of all property crimes during that time. With those staggering numbers, it is clear that we need to take certain measures to secure our home and property while learning how to outsmart the burglars affecting our livelihood.

How Does A Burglar Think?

According to research and available data, there are specific approaches that a burglar takes as they steal. A professional burglar, for example, knows how to disable most alarms, knows not to leave any fingerprints behind, and can even crack a safe within the home using an electromagnetic drill.

On the other hand, you also have web-enabled thieves who use the internet to find their targets. They surf social media platforms to look for people about to embark on a vacation. This makes it easy for them to target a home that will empty at a specific time. This is why we are told never to post anything about our vacations or when we won't be home on social media.

Then you have the planners, the ones who take their time, scope out their target, and plan everything before proceeding. They will carry all the gear they need to enter the home and get the job done without drawing too much attention to themselves. They tend to be more calculated and a lot stealthier.

Protecting Your Home

When it comes to protecting your Chico home, you never know which type of burglar has you in their sights, so you will want to prepare for every possible scenario. No matter what type of burglar they are, it is likely that they value their privacy and don't want to be seen.

So, as a homeowner, you can start protecting your home by eliminating any hiding spots there may be outside. You can then install motion sensor lighting and cameras outside to keep an eye on the perimeter and alert you if there is any movement you should be aware of.

Next, cover your windows, and don't allow a burglar to see what valuables you have inside the home. Make sure you can't see into the home from the sidewalk, across the street, or from a neighbor's yard.

You can also join your neighborhood watch. You will find that having more eyes on your property will make a big difference.

Identify The Signs

Finally, learn how to identify the signs of a planned burglary. Pay attention to strangers in the area, be wary of unsolicited offers, and take small changes seriously.

To get more help in protecting your property and to see what your options are when it comes to home security, contact the experts at your local security store in Chico for more information.

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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