Commercial Burglary Is A Bigger Risk Than Ever

August 23rd, 2023



For people that live and work 2020 has brought about a lot of significant changes, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most common readjustments is the idea of people working from home as this type of guidance provides more health and safety and grows in popularity.

However, this also means that workplaces may be more vulnerable to crime. A workplace is typically staffed and hectic during the day and only empty at night in the usual run of things. In the pandemic era, however, some workplaces, such as offices, are no longer staffed, even during the day. It makes these facilities even more vulnerable to a commercial burglary.

What Is Commercial Burglary?

Commercial burglary is an ironic crime because, in one sense, it is often regarded as a less serious criminal offense. At the same time, however, successful commercial burglary can often result in far more significant gains for the criminal than residential crime.

Commercial burglary is when thieves target a commercial or industrial facility rather than a private residence. It is considered a less severe charge. Unlike residential robberies, there is a much lower chance of encountering a vulnerable resident, and there is no intrusion in a residential space. On the other hand, it can be more lucrative because people who target the right commercial facility can make off with many high-value items, whether that’s products destined for sales, such as televisions, or office equipment, such as computers.

Why Is There A Higher Risk?

Because of the pandemic, many businesses, especially in the early, intensive phases of a lockdown, may shut down all operations at a workplace. This is done to minimize the chances of an infected employee bringing contagion to an office full of staff with no immunity, and potentially infecting everyone, leading in some worst-case scenarios, to death.

As a result, many commercial structures have remained emptier than usual for sustained periods. In some cases, this may go on for weeks or even months. Leaving such facilities unattended for long periods leaves them more vulnerable to theft.

Security Measures Make A Difference

 One of the biggest deterrents for criminals is raising the risk of being arrested and charged. Criminals are looking for easy money. Anything that makes that goal more difficult and treacherous causes them to look for an easier, less challenging target.

Security systems for commercial space are a crucial pillar for discouraging thieves. Quality security cameras record important events such as break-in time and method, while also preserving critical identifying characteristics such as height, clothing, skin color, tattoos, and other markers. The presence of alarm systems means that a break-in is quickly detected, and some kind of police or security response is just minutes away, depriving thieves of hours to safely evaluate which goods are worth taking.

If you have a commercial building and you’re worried about the vulnerability of your commercial properties; we can help. Contact us, and we can assess your facility and find ways to make it more secure and protect your investments.

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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