Six Security Tips For Property Owners And Apartment Managers

April 11th, 2023



As a Chico landlord or property manager, one of your biggest concerns is keeping your building and tenants safe. The best way to ensure that your property will be secure, deter crime, and protect your tenants is with the installation of a security surveillance system. A good security system is not just for protection, it will also increase the value of your Chico property and attract a better quality of residents that stay longer.  So what are some ways you can keep your property and tenants safe?  Here are six simple solutions to increasing the security of your property. 

  1. Have A Security Risk Assessment Done:

Most security companies will be happy to assist you by having one of their professionals come in and assess your property. They will identify any areas that are vulnerable in your security. Then they will make suggestions for the best way to improve the security of the building. 

  1. Upgrade Your Lighting:

Make sure your parking areas and the outsides of your buildings and especially entrances and exits are well lit. A highly visible area is not what an intruder or vandal wants to be near. This is also a very cost effective method to help increase your security. 

  1. Update Or Install A Video Surveillance System:

Every apartment building should have a security system in place to deter crime and collect evidence if there is a crime. If you already have a security system, you may still want to consult with a security expert to see if you need to upgrade, such as upgrading from CCTV to an Internet Protocol (IP) system. Every part of your buildings should be visible from your cameras. Keep in mind that a surveillance system will also save you money by reducing your insurance. 

  1. Install Access Control Systems. 

Installing an access control system adds an extra layer of security. Having your residents, maintenance people, and management team use key cards to get into the building, elevators and even the apartment themselves prevents duplication. Keycards cannot be duplicated as easily as keys. If a tenant moves out or an employee leaves, you can just turn off their keycard and prevent entrance to your building. 

  1. Hire Security:

Security officers are a great method to enhance security and make your residents feel safe and can help deter crime. Some excellent locations for security officers include your entrances, lobby or patrolling the perimeter of the building. Combined with surveillance systems, you will notice a significant drop in vandalism, break ins and theft. 

  1. Encourage A Sense of Community:

Encouraging a sense of community among your tenants. Encouraging them to get to know their neighbors and fellow tenants is another excellent and cheap way to promote security in your buildings. When your residents get to know each other, they notice strangers easier and will watch out for each other. 

While the costs of installing a security system or hiring security officers may seem expensive, it is important to remember that the United States Business Administration has determined that just one incident of vandalism costs an average of $3,370. The savings on taking care of vandalism, and not even taking theft into consideration is well worth installing security. Speak to a licensed Chico security professional to learn more! 



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