Your Parking Lot Should Be Secure

January 25th, 2022



We usually think of a parking lot in Chico, CA as just a place that people store their vehicles when not in use. The reality, however, is that property managers need to go beyond this line of thinking and see a parking lot as a place to protect an investment, as well as residents, workers, guests, and other visitors.

Parking lots in Chico, CA can be the site of crime. Whether this is because thieves see unattended vehicles and decide to help themselves to the vehicles, or the contents inside, or because they realize people returning to their vehicles—especially alone at night—are more vulnerable, it is something that impacts a property. Any property that is deemed unsafe becomes, understandably, avoided. So what can you do to make your parking lot safer?

Maintain The Property

Presentation is everything, and if you allow a parking lot to fall into disrepair and generally appear in shoddy condition, this is a signal to criminals. You don’t feel like expending time or money to maintain the environment, meaning that you don’t care if a crime occurs there. A carefully maintained parking lot is always going to look less attractive to the criminal element because it implies that someone is exercising care. Take care of your property, and you deter many thieves.

Keep The Lights On

When night falls, make sure it doesn’t cover your parking lot in darkness. Indoor or outdoor, a parking lot should be well lit. This not only makes it easier for people to find their cars; it also acts as a big deterrence to thieves. Darkness allows criminals to operate in safety, as it makes it more difficult to identify someone in the dark, as well as allow for many more hiding places to survey an area, or stalk a victim.

A brightly lit environment makes it harder for criminals to succeed in their activities. It also makes it easier for people using the parking lot to see others, as well as see where they are going without worrying about bumping into things, tripping, or stumbling.

Security Cameras

A great all-around safety feature for any facility is the security camera. When paired with a well-lit area, the security camera performs two important functions. It acts a deterrent since it can easily show criminal activity, thus discouraging people from committing crimes in the area.

However, even if someone does commit a crime, the camera now has that footage. This can aid in the investigation when tracking a criminal down, but more importantly, it can also be used as evidence in prosecution to put people in jail when they face their day in court.

Access Control

A final, though more expensive solution is to implement access control. Keycards, numeric keypads, or even biometric ID are all good ways to restrict who can come in or out of a parking area. But this also means you have the barriers in place to prevent entry through other means.

By maintaining a safe parking area in Chico, CA, you not only protect your property investment, but you also create a safer environment for yourself, residents, customers or visitors, and that can only help your bottom line.

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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