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How to deter car break-ins in Topeka

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

Car theft and break-ins are a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over one million vehicles were documented stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not merely the quantity that’s unsettling, but also the sites of the crimes, as they frequently happen right outside our homes. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to deter car break-ins in Topeka. Find what they are and discover how your smart home can assist you.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Auto break-ins and theft are usually crimes of opportunity, so don’t tempt thieves by leaving keys in your vehicle or expensive items on the seat. Always abide by these sensible guidelines:

  • Park in well-lit spots and choose lots with video cameras or security guards if possible. Vehicles left in more active places are also less likely to be targeted
  • Keep valuable possessions hidden. If you must store pricy things in your car, place them in the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Secure locks and close windows, even if you park in your garage. You may fail to shut your garage door, particularly during warm summer evenings.
  • Never keep keys within your car. 
  • Never leave your vehicle idling with nobody inside. It only takes a matter of moments for a thief to steal it.
  • Install deterrents like a steering-wheel lock or an alarm system.

Surveillance cameras help protect vehicles in Topeka

The majority of thieves will think twice about burglarizing a vehicle or residence if they see video surveillance. You can make your cameras even more noticeable by opting for ones with integrated audible or visible deterrents. If a thief comes too close, your camera will promptly respond by showing a bright light or triggering an alarm. An essential element of home protection, surveillance devices are an effective tool for deterring car break-ins, specifically if you regularly keep vehicles outside.

When choosing surveillance systems, opt for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for precise imaging
  • Night vision, as numerous break-ins take place at night. Even with night vision, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate lighting, especially around your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to enjoy a complete perspective of your home’s exterior, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can tell the difference between cars, people, and animals
  • Integrated motion-detection lighting

The best video cameras will integrate effortlessly into your smart home. When a camera spots suspicious activity, you’ll get an instant alert through the home security app on your phone. You’ll also be able to check recordings or live feeds from any location.

Safeguard your autos and your Topeka home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Topeka neighborhood with the latest smart home devices from Vivint. Our outdoor cameras with active deterrence are excellent options to keep watch over your autos. You’ll enjoy checking live and recorded footage quickly and easily with our mobile app. Learn more about our video cameras and our fully integrated home security plans by dialing (785) 369-9429 today.