Protecting Your Home While You're On Vacation

June 19th, 2023



If you’re about to go on a vacation with the whole family, it’s important to keep your home’s security in mind while you’re away. When you leave your CA house dark and unkempt for a long time, that’s usually when the burglars strike. Even if you’re familiar with a thief’s ways, they can still target your house, especially if they don’t see any sign of activity in it.

It will be devastating to witness an empty or thrashed house once you come home. What’s worse, you’ll have to think about the cost to have those problems fixed. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect your Chico home from security breaches while you’re off on an adventure with the family.


  • Triple-Check If The Doors And Windows Are Locked

The simplest and most surefire way to protect your home is to lock everything up. Remember that 32% of burglars often enter through an unlocked door. It’s also wise to make sure that the frames of your doors are firmly attached to the structure of your house. This will prevent anyone from breaking your door down.

Under no circumstance should you keep a spare key hidden under your doormat or above the door frame? These areas can easily be located by an intruder.

Make sure that your windows are closed and locked, even those on the upper floors. These areas are weak points. Clever burglars can access them with ease. Furthermore, an open window in the house might let in rain, wind, or small creatures.


  • Hide Your Valuables 

Don’t leave your window curtains wide open to display your expensive TV set, gadgets and electronics, and other items that are of value. Hide and secure high-value items in your home and garage. If you have a household safe, use that to stash your cash, jewelry, and sentimental items. Protect your identity as well by locking up documents with your financial information, your social security cards, and other personal identification items you will not be bringing with you.


  • Ask A Trustworthy Neighbor’s Help 

It’s always good to ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to drop by your house once in a while to do simple maintenance. Ask them to leave the lights on at night to prevent any breach of security. 

Do this with caution, though. Avoid posting about your vacation on social media until after your return. This can prompt dishonest acquaintances or even strangers to know that you’ve left your house empty. You can never be too sure, so keep the vacation posts on hold for now. 


  • Get Your Security System Up And Running

If you already have a home security system or security cameras in place, make them obvious to potential intruders. These systems are some of the best thief deterrents. Make sure that your home security system is correctly programmed while you’re away. If you have a professionally monitored security system, see to it that you’ve informed your provider about your absence. 

If you currently don’t have a security system, now is the best time to consider getting one. Give yourself some well-deserved peace of mind while on vacation. Safeguard your house in Chico, CA with our top-notch home security solutions. Contact us now for more information.

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
    Call (530) 327-7268