Vacation Safety Tips For Any Homeowner

August 15th, 2024



Heading out for vacation is part of almost everyone’s life, and Chico residents need that downtime to enjoy the world, refresh their minds and bodies, and more. But is it really possible to truly enjoy your vacation if you’re worried about what’s happening at your home? For most, the answer here is no.

As such, it’s important that Chico residents take the time to do a couple of things that will help increase your home’s safety while you’re gone – and let you truly relax and enjoy your vacation. Here are some of the main tips to keep in mind to protect your home.

Landscape
More specifically, trim bushes and trees that are overgrown. These can make it easier for thieves to stay in cover as they sneak around your property and scope out the situation. Plus, it makes your property look nicer in the process.

Get Rid Of Packages
Whether you’ve ordered a huge number of items online or just have a new TV you bought, those packaging boxes are like an invitation to thieves. Don’t leave packaging on the curb or in a visible location or you’ll be announcing what is inside to the rest of the world. Get rid of those packages as soon as you can and for sure don’t’ leave them out while you’re gone from home.

Use A Timer
A timer can help you trick thieves into thinking someone is home. You don’t have to just have them trigger once a day – you can use them to be on at night, off during the morning, and even off and on throughout the day. This can make it easier to really fool the world into thinking someone is still at home.

Use Motion Lights
Motion sensor lighting can also be a big deterrent when it comes to eliminating and preventing criminal activity. When a thief is suddenly in the spotlight, they may move on. Motion lights are affordable and a great part of securing your home.

Use Social Media Wisely
It’s easy to get excited about a trip. But when you start posting your plans to the world, you’re also letting them know that you’ll be far away from Chico – and your home. Wait until you are back to start blowing up social media, otherwise you may be putting yourself at risk.

Set Up An Alarm And Video System
Using a security system is obviously the best way to keep your property protected. An alarm system can scare away potential invaders, but adding a video system that can be monitored using your mobile device is even better and will allow you to keep an eye on the property no matter where you are.

Enjoy Your Trip!
Just a few simple steps can help increase security at your property in a huge way. The tips above are the most important things to keep in mind and could be exactly what it takes to give yourself peace of mind and give your property a big boost of protection while you’re gone – and while you’re at home, too.

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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