Traveling For The Holidays? Here's How To Keep Your Home Secure

November 22nd, 2023



The holiday season is just beginning and for many of us that means travel. With our loved ones living outside of CA, we’ll have to leave our Chico homes to join the family dinner table. We can all get a little caught up in the rush of the holidays and forget to do small things. However, if you’re traveling, it’s important that you do not forget to secure your home before you leave. There is nothing that is worse than coming home from a wonderful time with your family to find that your home has been broken into. Here’s what to do before you leave to secure your home:

 

Lock All The Doors And Windows 

Go around your home and make sure that you lock any key entrypoint. Lock your doors and windows. If you have sliding windows or doors, add an extra layer of protection by placing a pole in the track that prevents opening. A good idea is to install smart door locks, they are more secure than regular locks. They also have the benefit of being able to be operated remotely. You can lock and unlock them from your smartphone, so if you can let in visitors while you are away. You’ll also never have to worry about forgetting to lock your doors, because you can do it from your phone.

 

Install Smart Lights 

Criminals often watch homes before they break in. This is called “casing.” Criminals track the comings and goings of people during casing, so they can strike when the Chico homeowner isn’t home. That way they have less risk of getting caught. So one of the important strategies when you are out of town, is to make it seem like you are home. A great way to do this is to install smart lights. Smart lights can be automated to turn on and off randomly throughout the day. That way to someone casing your home, it looks like someone is always there.

 

Get A Monitored Alarm System 

A monitored alarm system is an excellent way to protect your home while you are away. Monitored systems work with a security company that monitors your alarm system. If the alarm goes off, they call you immediately to let you know. Then if it is a break-in, they will also call law enforcement and report the break-in. It’s like having a housesitter that will check in whenever there is a problem. Most alarm systems have monitoring options, you will need to work with your security company to find a plan that works for you.

 

These three tips will help protect your home while you are away for the holidays. If your home is secure, you can just enjoy the time with your family and friends. For more ideas on how to secure your home whether you are at home or away, you should speak with a qualified home security specialist. They’ll work with you to design a custom system for all your home security needs.

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"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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