Should You Monitor Your Porch With A Security Camera?

August 1st, 2024



Security cameras are for more than just recording things inside a business or a home. Of course, Chico proprietors and homeowners can benefit from having the surveillance equipment inside, but that is for another discussion. This post will talk about the benefits of installing a security camera on both your front and back porch. Most people like to believe that they live in a good neighborhood where neighbors watch out for each other.

However, burglars are excellent at disguising themselves to look as if they belong. Then, they can sneak into an empty house dressed as a repair or delivery person without anyone being the wiser. A recent study from April 2016 shows that most robberies occur during the day. That doesn't mean that they can't happen at night and under cover of darkness though. So, for these reasons alone, yes, it is a good idea to install cameras on your porches.

Detect Who Is Coming Up To Your Front Or Back Door Even If You Aren't Home

The majority of today's security systems are compatible with smartphones via apps. Therefore, if a Chico homeowner is at work, traveling, or just driving to the store, the system will alert them to a  person's presence. Some models even have audio features that allow the individual to talk to the trespasser, which enables them to discover who they are and what their intentions are. If the character does not belong, the homeowner can contact the police about the situation. They may increase patrols in the area to try and spot the person to find out what he or she is doing skulking about properties.

Don't Forget About Package Thieves

A 2015 report estimated that 23-million Americans fell victim to porch pirates in that year. It doesn't have to be the holiday season for these criminals to strike. Rather, a Chico resident may have their packages stolen at any time of the year. A front porch security camera may not stop the incident altogether. However, it will record the person in the act. Additionally, depending on which way the device is pointed, it may capture the vehicle they are using as well. Then, the video can be turned over to the police so that they can identify and apprehend the suspect. Hence, justice will be served as the guilty party will go to jail. 

Yet, Another Reason To Have Porch Security Cameras

Parents that have teenagers know that they can be quite a handful at times. If guardians believe the young adults are sneaking out the front or back door in the middle of the night, they can watch the footage to catch them red-handed. Of course, teens are great at coming up with stories or denying claims of wrongdoing, but the parent can use the video to justify the punishment that they choose to dish out. Folks like to think that they raised their children right and this could never happen, but they might become shocked by what they see after installing the cameras.

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