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How to deter car break-ins in Bloomington

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

Car theft and break-ins are an ongoing issue in the United States. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over one million cars were reported stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not just the quantity that’s unsettling, but also the whereabouts of the crimes, as they often take place right outside our front doors. Fortunately, there are many precautions you can take to deter car break-ins in Bloomington. Read what they are and explore how your smart home can help.

Make efforts to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle break-ins and theft are usually opportunistic crimes, so don’t entice unscrupulous actors by leaving valuable belongings on the seat or keys in the coin tray. Always adhere to these common-sense tips:

  • Park in well-lit locations and use lots with guards or surveillance cameras when possible. Vehicles left in higher-traffic places are also less apt to be singled out
  • Keep anything of value out of sight. If you have to keep expensive belongings in your vehicle, place them in the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Engage locks and shut windows, even if you park in your garage. You could fail to shut your garage door, especially during warm summer evenings.
  • Never store keys within your car. 
  • Don’t leave your car running without you inside. It takes only a matter of moments for someone to steal it.
  • Implement deterrents like a car alarm system or a steering-wheel lock.

Outdoor surveillance helps shield vehicles in Bloomington

The majority of criminals will shy away from breaking into a vehicle or home if they spot video cameras. You can make your cameras even more evident by opting for those with integrated active deterrents. If an intruder gets too close, your camera will immediately reply by triggering an alarm or brightening a light. An essential facet of home security, video cameras are an effective tool for preventing car break-ins, specifically if you typically park vehicles in the driveway.

When picking surveillance systems, shop for features like:

  • 1080p high-def resolution for detailed imaging
  • Night vision, as many break-ins occur at night. Even with night vision, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate lighting, particularly around your garage.
  • Wide-angle viewing to enjoy a full perspective of your home’s exterior, including your driveway
  • Smart detection that can recognize the difference between cars, people, and animals
  • Incorporated motion-detection lighting

The best video cameras will incorporate easily into your automated home. If a camera notices suspicious actions, you’ll get an instant warning through the home security app on your smartphone. You’ll also be able to check live feeds or recordings from wherever you are.

Watch over your cars and your Bloomington home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Bloomington neighborhood with innovative smart home equipment from Vivint. Our outdoor cameras with built-in deterrence are excellent options to watch over your autos. You’ll enjoy checking video streams quickly and effortlessly with our app. Learn more about our video cameras and our fully integrated home security systems by placing a call to (812) 579-4884 today.