Avoid Returning Home To An Empty House With These Security Tips

June 28th, 2023



Chico homeowners work hard to earn the money that they use to pay for their properties, cars, and belongings. The last thing people want is to have their homes broken into while they are away, but unfortunately, sometimes, that is exactly what happens. According to an article on the Credit Donkey website, most burglaries occur between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. That period is when family members are most likely to be gone for the day.

If no prior security measures have been taken, the Chico criminal can sneak inside the home, steal everything that isn't mounted down, and disappear without anyone being the wiser. That is, until the homeowners return from work, running errands, working out, or doing whatever. They are then left scared, wondering if the thief will come back to the scene of the crime. 

Thankfully, there are some ways for people to safeguard their properties. These tips can help Chico homeowners protect their assets and people. Hence, curious parties should read on to see what the following sections have in store.  

Periodically Inspect Door And Window Locks



Most burglars don't hatch elaborate schemes to get inside homes as they show in movies. Rather, many times, the thieves gain entrance through unlocked doors and windows. Therefore, people that air out their houses from time to time, to let fresh air in, should periodically inspect the mechanisms to ensure they are in the closed positions, as there is no point in making things easier on burglars.

While giving the locks a once over, individuals should also make sure that the devices are functioning correctly. If there are any faulty units, they should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Now, let's move onto the next tip. 

Periodically Inspect Door And Window Locks



Most burglars don't hatch elaborate schemes to get inside homes as they show in movies. Rather, many times, the thieves gain entrance through unlocked doors and windows. Therefore, people that air out their houses from time to time to let fresh air in should periodically inspect the mechanisms to ensure they are in the closed position, as there is no point in making things easier on burglars.

While giving the locks a once over, individuals should also make sure that the devices are functioning correctly. If there are any faulty units, they should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Now, let's move on to the next tip. 

Invest In A Home Security System



Alarms, cameras, and sensors can serve as burglar deterrents. According to a study conducted by the Stamford Advocate, of 400 criminals surveyed, 60-percent of respondents said they searched for the systems when casing targets. Some of the individuals even admitted that the presence of security systems often caused them to change their minds about breaking into the places. So, if a homeowner's primary concern is to keep burglars at bay, perhaps there is no better way to achieve the feat than with a high-quality home security system. 

Prune The Trees Around Your Two-Story Home



Peeping Toms, thieves, kidnappers, and more can scale trees to enter homes through second-floor patios or windows. Not all criminals will go to such lengths, but the determined ones will. Thus, homeowners should take the time to prune trees next to their two-story homes. The action will give you and your family peace of mind knowing that people can't gain access to the inside of the house via branches and limbs. These landscaping duties can also help a person keep their yard looking luxurious and gorgeous.

Contact our office to discuss your home security system options. 

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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