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How to deter car break-ins in Cincinnati

March 05, 2025
Thief attempting to break into a white car in a residential area

Car theft and break-ins are an ongoing concern in our country. As detailed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million automobiles were recorded stolen in 2022. It’s not only the quantity that’s troubling, but also the whereabouts of the crimes, as they typically happen right where we live. Thankfully, there are several actions you can take to deter car break-ins in Cincinnati. Read what they are and discover how your smart home can assist you.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle theft and break-ins are typically opportunistic crimes, so don’t entice unscrupulous actors by leaving costly possessions on the seat or keys in a storage compartment. Always abide by these sensible guidelines:

  • Park in well-lit locations and choose lots with surveillance cameras or attendants if possible. Vehicles positioned in busier spots are also less apt to be targeted
  • Keep anything of value out of sight. If you must store pricy items in your car, put them in the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Lock doors and raise windows, even if you park in your garage. You could overlook closing your garage door, especially during warmer months.
  • Never leave keys in your automobile. 
  • Avoid leaving your vehicle running without you inside. It requires only a few seconds for a criminal to steal it.
  • Implement deterrents like a wheel immobilizer or an alarm.

Outdoor surveillance helps protect vehicles in Cincinnati

The majority of criminals will shy away from breaking into an automobile or residence if they spot video surveillance. You can make your cameras even more noticeable by opting for those equipped with audible or visible deterrents. If a burglar comes too close, your camera will actively react by sounding an alarm or engaging a light. An essential facet of home protection, surveillance devices are an excellent tool for preventing car break-ins, especially if you regularly park vehicles outside.

When picking surveillance cameras, look for features like:

  • 1080p high-def resolution for precise imaging
  • Night vision, as countless break-ins occur at darker hours. Even when using night vision, you’ll want to ensure you have ample lighting, particularly around your garage.
  • Broad viewing angles to get a complete perspective of your home’s surroundings, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can recognize the difference between people, pets, and cars
  • Incorporated motion-activated lighting

The leading cameras will integrate effortlessly into your home’s security. Whenever a camera notices questionable actions, you’ll get an immediate warning through the home security app on your phone. You may also check live feeds or recordings from any location.

Safeguard your autos and your Cincinnati home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins and theft in your Cincinnati area with innovative smart home tools from Vivint. Our outdoor cameras with active deterrence are excellent options to watch over your vehicles. You’ll appreciate checking video streams quickly and effortlessly with our home security app. Find out more about our video cameras and our fully integrated home security plans by placing a call to (513) 506-9171 today.