Home Basics How To Properly Secure Your Home's Entrances

June 8th, 2023



Keeping your Chico house properly secured requires a deep understanding of your property, the people who live there, and all vulnerable points that burglars may attempt to exploit. Entrance points are probably the most notable susceptible areas you need to keep an eye on.

It is important to remember that when we’re talking about entrances, we do not simply mean your front door. There are many entryways where a break-in may occur. The back door is one, as are less obvious entry points such as your first-floor windows. Making sure your entrances are secure is a big step toward improving your home security measures. Read on to discover a few tips on how to properly secure your home’s entrances.

Change Your Locks ASAP

If you’ve been living in your home unharmed for years without changing your door locks since you moved in, consider yourself lucky. While your landlord or real estate broker may not tell you this, most homes initially come with standard locks that can easily be destroyed with brute force. If you haven’t done it yet, find heavy-duty locks in your local hardware store and change your locks as soon as possible.

See to it that you change your locks as soon as you move into a new home. You should also change locks every time a roommate or former partner moves out or you lose your keys.

Don’t Forget Your Windows

We can spend thousands of dollars securing all of our doors and still remain completely vulnerable to burglary if we fail to secure our windows. Remember: burglars are crafty when it comes to making their way into a building. If one entrance doesn’t work, they’re likely to try looking for another way in. 

To secure your windows, consider having window bars or grates installed. If your budget allows, you may also opt to replace your windows with thicker glass or plexiglass. 

Install A Video Surveillance System

A modern and effective way to secure all of your home’s entrances is to have at least one video surveillance camera guarding each of your home’s main entrances. You may also choose to install surveillance cameras in outdoor areas to keep watch over your home’s windows. Video surveillance acts as a deterrent against burglars as well, which means an added layer of protection for you and your property. 

There’s no real way to fully burglar-proof your CA home. In cases where your home is broken into despite the exhaustive measures like the ones we’ve suggested, a good home security system can provide you with a deterrent to minimize this risk.

If you would like to improve the security of your Chico home, it is always best to consult with a professional home security provider in your area. Making sure all of the bases are covered by your home security measures is a worthwhile investment because doing so allows you and your family to have peace of mind each day. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your property safe.

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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