How to deter car break-ins in St. Paul
Vehicle theft and break-ins are a growing concern in our country. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in excess of one million vehicles were documented stolen in 2022. It’s not just the amount that’s unsettling, but also the location of the crimes, as they frequently take place right outside our front doors. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to deter car break-ins in St. Paul. See what they are and explore how your smart home can assist you.
Make efforts to deter car break-ins and theft
Auto break-ins and theft are typically crimes of opportunity, so don’t tempt bandits by leaving keys inside your car or costly possessions on the seat. Always follow these sensible tips:
- Park in brightly illuminated areas and use lots with visible cameras or security personnel if possible. Vehicles positioned in more active places are also less apt to be targeted
- Keep valuables hidden. If you have to store costly belongings in your vehicle, place them in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Engage locks and shut windows, even when parking in your garage. You might neglect to close your garage door, particularly during warm summer evenings.
- Never leave keys in your vehicle.
- Don’t leave your car running unattended. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to snatch it.
- Install deterrents like an alarm system or a steering-column lock.
Video cameras help protect vehicles in St. Paul
Many thieves will think twice about burglarizing an automobile or home if they spot surveillance cameras. Your cameras will be even more evident if they feature active deterrents. If an intruder enters the detection zone, your camera will immediately reply by engaging light or triggering an alarm. A crucial aspect of home protection, surveillance is an outstanding tool for deterring car break-ins, especially if you typically park vehicles on your driveway.
When choosing surveillance cameras, shop for features like:
- 1080p high-def resolution for detailed imaging
- Night vision, as many break-ins happen at darker hours. Even with night vision, you’ll need to make sure you have ample lighting, particularly around your garage.
- Wide-angle viewing to get a complete view of your home’s surroundings, including your drive
- Smart detection that can recognize the difference between pets, cars, and people
- Built-in motion-sensing lighting
The best video cameras will integrate easily into your home’s security. Whenever a camera spots suspicious activity, you’ll get an immediate warning via the home security app on your mobile device. You may also view recordings or live feeds from wherever you are.
Watch over your cars and your St. Paul home with Vivint
Deter car break-ins in your St. Paul neighborhood with innovative smart home tools from Vivint. Our video cameras with integrated deterrence are excellent options to watch over your autos. You’ll enjoy reviewing live and recorded footage quickly and easily with our app. Discover more about our video cameras and our fully integrated home security installations by calling (651) 240-6686 today.