Could This Be The Holiday Season Where Crooks Target Your Home?

October 18th, 2023



The safety and sanctity of the home have always been important. More people are now following Work From Home guidance, which can sometimes mean bringing more valuable work and data home.

For homeowners, this means that security is a greater concern. A home should always be safe, but there’s more to home security than just surveillance cameras and burglar alarms. Cameras can deter thieves, and alarms can notify you and the authorities or a break-in, but what can make all the difference sometimes is making it too hard to break into a home, and that’s where door and window security come in.

Securing Your Doors

This will be a surprise to some, but in many cases, the front door is an entry point for burglars to invade a home. This occurs for several reasons, one of which is that people forget to lock their doors. However, the most common method of entry is that homeowners leave a spare key hidden nearby in case they or children get locked out. Thieves are good at finding these spare key locations since they’re usually close to the door.

Beyond not keeping a spare key hidden nearby, however, thieves will also break a door down or remove it from its hinges if they know you’re not at home, and they know there’s no alarm. Metal insulated, or solid wood doors are stronger than typical hollow core doors.

Deadbolts are another excellent way to prevent entry through doors. Access control systems, such as biometrics, key cards, or other mechanisms, are also good at allowing you to use an electronic deadbolt even when no one is home.

Securing Your Windows

It’s essential always to remember to lock your windows. Many thieves get into a home by testing windows to see if they open. This applies even to a house with a second floor, as people assume that because they are one floor up, it’s safe to leave windows unlocked.

Beyond remembering to lock the windows, the windows themselves, like doors, can be reinforced. For some who don’t mind compromising appearance, installing bars, for example, makes it impossible to get in or out through a window even if it’s open. Switch to plexiglass or polycarbonate windows can also create a barrier that is extremely difficult to break without proper, noisy, industrial equipment.

Other Precautions

Of course, a comprehensive security system also makes a big difference. People in a residence will not forget to close doors or windows if an alarm sound. More importantly, should an actual break-in occur, at doors or windows, the alarms will ring, and a notification will be sent to authorities.

Beyond that, surveillance cameras do an excellent job of deterring criminals since they record important details that can be used in investigation and prosecution. Cameras can be reinforced with motion tracking lights at night so that if someone comes in view of the sensors, the lights come on.

If you’d like to make your home, safer, contact us. We can look at your property and find the right security configuration.

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