5 Things You Never Knew About Home Burglaries

January 28th, 2022



Burglary is such a common crime in the U.S. that one occurs about every 15 seconds. Understanding about burglary can help you take the right steps to protect your home and family, but how much do you really know about them? Here are five things that might surprise you.

They Don’t Take Very Long

For someone in Chico who would never even think about breaking into a home, it can be tough to imagine how long a burglary takes. So it might surprise you to learn that most burglars are in and out of a home within 10 minutes. A burglar knows that the longer they spend in your house, the more likely they are to get caught. This is why they target the easiest valuables to shove into a pocket or backpack, such as:

  • Jewelry
  • Watches
  • Cell phones
  • Laptops
  • Game consoles
  • Home assistants

They Likely Live Right In Your Neighborhood

Most people assume that burglars come in from other states or towns to canvas and steal from neighborhoods where no one knows them. But the person stealing from your home is likely someone who lives in the same Chico neighborhood. They might not live next door, or even on the same block, but they’ve probably passed by your house a million times. In fact, because they spend so much time in the area, they’re more comfortable with the layout of the homes and the streets. They also know the police patterns and the easiest time to get away with something. 

They’ll Find Any Unlocked Door Or Window--And Use It

Do you leave your doors and windows unlocked at night? Don’t. 30 percent of criminals use these as common entry points. You might feel safe in your neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean that you are. Every time you leave the house, and before you go to sleep at night, lock all of the doors and windows to deter thieves from walking right in. 

They’re Notoriously Hard to Solve

When a home is not monitored by a home security system, a burglary can go unsolved. The FBI data on home theft says that only 13.6 percent ever result in an arrest. And even if an arrest is made, chances are slim that you’ll recover your stolen property.

A home security system with video capture can increase the chances that an arrest will be made. Security systems with live video feeds can get information to the Chico police department even faster. This can give you a better chance or reconnecting with your possessions. 

They’re Deterred By Security Systems

There’s a reason why those home security signs on people’s front lawns stand out. They let everyone (including criminals) know that the house is being watched constantly. Most burglars prefer to choose homes that are unprotected to decrease their risk of getting caught. Keep your home and possessions safer by getting a state-of-the-art home security system you can rely on to deter crime.

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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