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How to deter car break-ins in Peoria

March 05, 2025
Thief breaking into a white automobile in a residential neighborhood

Auto theft and break-ins are a continuing issue in our country. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million automobiles were reported stolen in 2022. It’s not merely the number that’s unsettling, but also the location of the crimes, as they often happen right outside our homes. Luckily, there are many precautions you can take to deter car break-ins in Peoria. Read what they are and learn how your smart home can help.

Take action to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle break-ins and theft are usually opportunistic crimes, so don’t tempt unscrupulous actors by leaving keys inside your vehicle or expensive possessions in plain view. Always abide by these common-sense tips:

  • Park in brightly illuminated spots and use lots with guards or video cameras whenever possible. Vehicles left in busier areas are also less likely to be stolen
  • Keep valuable possessions out of sight. If you need to keep pricy belongings in your ride, move them to the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Lock doors and shut windows, even when parking in your garage. You may fail to close your garage door, especially during warmer months.
  • Never leave keys in your vehicle. 
  • Don’t leave your car idling unattended. It takes only a couple seconds for someone to snatch it.
  • Implement deterrents like an alarm or a steering-wheel lock.

Outdoor surveillance helps protect cars in Peoria

The majority of prowlers will think twice about burglarizing a vehicle or home if they notice video cameras. You can make your surveillance devices even more visible by selecting those equipped with audible or visible deterrents. If an intruder gets too close, your camera will promptly respond by activating an alarm or engaging a light. A critical facet of home protection, surveillance is an outstanding tool for discouraging car break-ins, specifically if you regularly keep vehicles in the driveway.

When picking video cameras, look for features like:

  • 1080p high-def resolution for precise imaging
  • Night vision, as countless break-ins happen at darker hours. Even with night vision, you’ll need to ensure you have enough lighting, predominantly by your garage.
  • Wide-angle viewing to enjoy a complete picture of your home’s exterior, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can distinguish the difference between people, pets, and cars
  • Integrated motion-sensing lighting

The leading video cameras will integrate effortlessly into your home’s security. Whenever a camera notices suspicious movements, you’ll get an instant alert via the home security app on your smartphone. You can also check recordings or live feeds from any location.

Protect your cars and your Peoria home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Peoria neighborhood with advanced smart home equipment from Vivint. Our outdoor cameras with built-in deterrence are excellent options to watch over your vehicles. You can view video streams rapidly and simply with our app. Learn more about our surveillance options and our fully integrated home security systems by placing a call to (309) 332-1063 today.