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How to deter car break-ins in Cleveland

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

Car theft and break-ins are a growing issue in our country. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in excess of one million automobiles were reported stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not merely the quantity that’s alarming, but also the sites of the crimes, as they frequently occur right where we live. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to deter car break-ins in Cleveland. See what they are and discover how your smart home can improve protection.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Auto theft and break-ins are generally crimes of opportunity, so don’t entice unscrupulous actors by leaving keys within your vehicle or costly items in clear view. Always adhere to these practical tips:

  • Park in brightly illuminated spots and pick lots with attendants or security cameras whenever possible. Vehicles parked in higher-traffic places are also less likely to be singled out
  • Keep valuables concealed. If you need to keep costly items in your vehicle, put them in the trunk or glove compartment.
  • Secure locks and shut windows, even when parking in your garage. You may neglect to close your garage door, especially during warmer times of the year.
  • Never store keys inside your car. 
  • Avoid leaving your car idling without you inside. It takes only a few seconds for a thief to snatch it.
  • Install deterrents like an alarm system or a steering-column lock.

Surveillance cameras help protect vehicles in Cleveland

Many criminals will avoid burglarizing a vehicle or home if they see video surveillance. You can make your cameras even more noticeable by choosing ones with integrated visible or audible deterrents. If an intruder enters the detection zone, your camera will actively react by flashing light or sounding an alarm. A crucial aspect of home protection, surveillance devices are an outstanding tool for preventing car break-ins, specifically if you typically park vehicles on your driveway.

When picking surveillance systems, opt for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for detailed imaging
  • Night vision, as many break-ins take place at darker hours. Even with night vision, you’ll need to make sure you have enough lighting, particularly by your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to obtain a more extensive view of the front of your house, including your drive
  • Innovative detection that can tell the difference between pets, cars, and people
  • Integrated motion-sensing lighting

The leading cameras will integrate seamlessly into your smart home. If a camera spots suspicious activity, you’ll get an instant alert via the home security app on your smartphone. You can also check live feeds or recordings from anywhere you are.

Watch over your vehicles and your Cleveland home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Cleveland neighborhood with innovative smart home devices from Vivint. Our surveillance cameras with built-in deterrence are excellent options to watch over your autos. You can view camera footage swiftly and easily with our home security app. Find out more about our surveillance options and our fully integrated home security plans by dialing (216) 616-8604 today.