5 Ways To Have A More Secure Home

June 21st, 2023



Life has changed a lot for people living in CA thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one thing that hasn’t changed is a crime. Assault, violence, and theft occur even when people spend more time at home.

This is a big fear for many in Chico, CA, and it’s one reason why home security is still important nowadays. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to improve safety within your property. Here are five practical ways to have a more secure home.

Reduce Hiding Spots

Thieves like to reduce risk, and one of the ways they do this is to study a target so they know what they’re getting into. However, that task becomes challenging when people can see you watching them. Hedges, shrubbery, and other landscaping features can also provide a safe hiding spot for thieves to observe you. Getting rid of them considerably increases a criminal’s visibility and risk.

Check And Use Window Locks

Next to doors, windows are a popular form of entry into homes. It’s not unusual for thieves to check windows for signs of being unlocked. See if your windows have locks, and if not, consider either installing some or upgrading to windows that have them. Then, put those locks to good use.

Don’t Hide Spare Keys In Obvious Places

It’s common practice, especially in families with young children, to get spare house keys in case the main one gets lost. Unfortunately, a lot of people hide them in places that are easy for children to find and remember. This makes it easy for thieves too. It’s safer to eliminate spare keys or, if you really want to have them, give them to trustworthy neighbors instead.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

While this is not an issue for many right now since they mostly stay at home during the pandemic, under ordinary circumstances, it is a significant factor. Social media has made it possible to share every detail of your life, but there is such a thing as too much disclosure. Unless you’ve set your social media to private, anyone can see your announcement of an upcoming vacation and, if you have a lot of photos of your home and neighborhood, determine where you live. After that, it’s just a matter of waiting for you to post on social media that you’re at the airport before breaking into your property.

Get Security Systems

Proper security equipment, such as camera surveillance systems and alarms, is a major deterrent to theft. It considerably raises the risk for thieves and reduces the time they have to thoroughly search and loot a home. The presence of security systems makes a house a much harder target. It often discourages thieves, diverting them to easier, more vulnerable households.

If you have a home in Chico, CA that you’d like to protect at all times, we can help. Contact us today and allow us to find the security system that is suitable for you, your belongings, and your family.

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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