4 Ways To Have A More Secure Home

June 12th, 2023



For many living in Chico, CA, covid led to a renewed emphasis on staying home to remain healthy. But even if you’re always on your property, that doesn’t mean you won’t be targeted for crimes such as burglary. Fortunately, it’s possible for you to make your home less appealing to thieves. Here are four ways you can discourage criminals from invading your home.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Thieves like to reduce risk as much as possible, and one way to do this is to monitor a home carefully. If there are hedges or other obstacles they can hide behind, this gives them a good vantage point to observe a home for extended periods without being seen by owners or passersby.

Getting rid of these hiding spots leaves criminals exposed and more prone to being detected. This discourages them from considering your home as a potential target.

Hide Spare Keys Properly

If you’re still using a traditional analog lock mechanism, there’s a temptation to leave a spare key somewhere in case of a loss, especially if you have kids or live with forgetful people. Unfortunately, most people who resort to this leave the key in an easy-to-find place, such as under a rug or in a nearby plant pot. Thieves are aware of the popularity of these hiding places, so in many cases, you’re leaving your key available to someone looking to rob you. Hide spare keys in more discreet places such as a fake sprinkler or under a stone in your garden.

Don’t Make Valuables Visible

Some people like the idea of everyone around the neighborhood knowing how affluent they are, but this can backfire. If you keep the curtains of a gallery window open during the day and end up showing that you have an 85” HDR 4K TV and a jewelry box, it’s not just neighbors who’ll see them. You’ll be advertising to thieves not only the things you own that are worth stealing but also where they are in your house. Keep your high-value possessions out of sight at all times.

Get An Alarm System

One of the best ways to discourage thieves is to let them know that your home is at high risk with low rewards. With an alarm system, thieves will only be able to spend a few minutes on a property before security staff or police officers show up. That’s too little time to search a residence and loot all of the valuables in it.

By having a security system installed and putting up a sign on your property indicating its presence, you are sending a clear message to criminals that they are better off targeting someone else.

If you live in Chico, CA and you’d like the peace of mind that comes with having a more secure home, we can help. Contact us today, and let us find the security configuration that’s right for you and your property.

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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