6 Tips to Prevent Home Break-ins

January 24th, 2023



If you are a homeowner in Chico or anywhere else in the US, keeping your home safe from burglars is always a top priority. Unfortunately, thieves can strike any time of day—especially when you are away on summer vacation, a business trip, or if you are not careful about closing windows or locking doors properly.

There is no need to worry. Protecting your family and belongings from a burglary whether you are located in CA or another state is possible with these tips. 

  • Lock your windows and doors

This seems like a no-brainer, but many forget to do this especially when they make quick trips to do some simple errands. A lot of people think, “Oh, 30 minutes won’t hurt. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” This type of complacency could get you in trouble, so be conscientious about locking your existing entryways at all times. 

  • Trim shrubbery near entrances or patios

If that a thief attempts to rob your home, the last thing you want is for them to find a good hiding spot. Keeping shrubs trimmed and keeping areas with plants clutter-free will deter burglars, as it gives them less potential hiding places. 

  • Prune trees around your home

Thieves may climb tall trees if the branches are the right length to give them access to any upstairs window you may have. Prevent these tree climbing ninjas by giving longer branches near windows a good trim. 

  • Keep your windows covered

Leaving your windows wide open or uncovered almost seems like an open invitation for thieves to “window shop” before stealing your valuable items. Having curtains or blinds installed to cover your windows keeps your valuables out of sight from burglars’ prying eyes. 

  • Never announce forthcoming trips or vacations on social media platforms

This is especially important if there will be no one left to look after your home. You can surely change your privacy settings so that your posts could only be viewed by your contacts or a specific group, but it is always better to err on the side of caution. 

  • Connect with your neighbors

As they say, no one is an island. Knowing the people in your community and building good relationships with them creates a genuine desire within individuals in an area, including yourself, to look out for each other. Each neighbor and good friend you make in the community could be an extra pair of eyes to help prevent break-ins.  

Consider purchasing a home surveillance system

Aside from taking features and price points into consideration before making your purchase, make sure that you have thoroughly assessed your property’s security needs so that you do not end up over, or underspending.  Aside from security cameras, there also motion detectors, as well as door alarms that you could look into for added protection.  

Installing security cameras or a whole surveillance system is a task best left to the professionals. Make your Chico, CA home a safer place by getting in touch with us. 

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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