Keep Burglars At Bay With These Home Security Tips

July 17th, 2024



Most people like to believe that their homes are in safe neighborhoods where there is zero chance of a break-in occurring. However, this type of thinking can wind up getting them in trouble. Failing to take the proper preventative measures can lead to the loss of one's possessions. Not all burglaries are premeditated and planned out. Rather, many of the incidents are crimes of opportunity.

If a criminal happens to be passing by a home or office that looks unprotected, they are likely to take advantage of the situation, even here in Chico. The stats vary from place to place. According to research from Statista, in 2017, New Mexico led the nation in burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants in the United States at 858.1. Mississippi was a close second at 828.1. Meanwhile, New York came in last on the list at 176.3. Hence, it is of the utmost importance for home and business owners to protect their family members, employees, and assets at all times.

One way to do just that is by having a high-quality security system installed. In many cases, having signs posted around the property deters criminal activity. They would rather find a less guarded place to ransack than take a chance of setting off an alarm or having their face captured on camera. Plus, a lot of today's surveillance equipment can be monitored from a smartphone. Thus, you can see or be alerted to what is happening on your property from virtually anywhere.

Now, On To Some Other Home Security Tips

1. Don't Let The Mail Or Newspapers Pile Up

When letters, ads, and newspapers accumulate in abundance, burglars usually believe this means that nobody is home, nor have they been for a while. They can do a quick snatch and grab or break-in to take their time rifting through your belongings. So, before a Chico resident heads out of town for business or pleasure, it is a good idea for them to ask a friend or neighbor to swing by their place and pick up the mail, magazines, newspapers, or whatever.

2. Set Timers

Many of today's security systems have home automation features. In other words, items such as smart lights, the thermostat, and more can be operated from a smartphone. Set a timer to keep the location brightly lit and make thieves think somebody is home. Don't fret if you don't have a system. A lot of devices like televisions and radios have timers built-in. Set them to turn on and off at a specific time for the same effect.

3. Hire A Housesitter

Employing the services of a housesitter can prove to be beneficial. The professionals will keep an eye on things while you are away. If something happens, they can quickly notify the property owner and the correct authorities. Consider adding these home security tips to your routine, and with any luck, you will be able to ward off burglars and trespassers. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

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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