4 Tips For A More Secure Summer

April 12th, 2023



With the arrival of summer in Chico, CA, things take a change for the lighter and warmer. With more pleasant weather ahead, you may be thinking of taking advantage of the change in seasons, and spending more time with your family, especially if the kids are now out of school. Who doesn’t want to take advantage of summer when the season arrives?

However, with the arrival of summer, this doesn’t mean that relaxation means becoming laxer in your security. You’ve earned a vacation, but when you take some time off, or just enjoy more of this great weather at this time of year, you should always make sure you keep security in mind and here are four ways to do it.

Protect Your Yard

One of the things many homeowners in Chico will do is break out the summer gear. This can be anything from putting out lawn furniture to the kids leaving summer toys sitting on the grass, or out by the swimming pool. However, it’s important to remember that your yard, while a sacred, private space to you, isn’t necessarily immune to intrusion.

Security cameras are always a great deterrent. This is especially true if you’re going to be leaving things that may be valuable out in the open. With security cameras watching, thieves are less likely to make a quick detour into your yard to pick up a few things.

Lights Are Your Friend

Even though the days are longer during the summer, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get dark. And with warmer weather, it’s easier than ever for thieves to reconnoiter homes to see if there’s anything worth stealing. Once darkness arrives, they have shadows to cover them, and nice weather to do it in.

However, lights in the yard, or, better yet, motion sensors tied to lights and partnered with security cameras, make your home an unappealing target. Thieves prefer darkness to operate unseen by witnesses. But if their cover is blown and is accompanied by a security camera capturing all their details, that’s enough to make them leave.

Close Those Windows

This is a fairly common error, but it can lead to disaster. Some people may want to let that summer air in when it gets warm and open a few windows. The problem is when people forget to close and lock them again. A window is a point of entry into a home, and if it’s open, this also means that any alarm system you have is disabled at that point of entry. Remember to close your windows!

Don’t Broadcast Your Empty Home

This one is very difficult for most people in the social media world, but at the same time, it’s an important tip. When you’re going on vacation, do not make a big public announcement about doing so. Telling the world “my home is going to be empty of people for several days” is an invitation to thieves, especially if you’ve made it easy for them to figure out where your home is through other social media entries.

Make your summer safer. Reach out to us, and we can find the right security system for your Chico, CA home.

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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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