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How to deter car break-ins in Scranton

March 05, 2025
Thief trying to break into a white vehicle in a residential setting

Vehicle theft and break-ins are a growing issue throughout our nation. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in excess of one million automobiles were reported stolen in 2022. It’s not merely the number that’s alarming, but also where the crimes take place, as they’re frequently right outside our homes. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to deter car break-ins in Scranton. See what they are and explore how your smart home can help.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Auto theft and break-ins are usually opportunistic actions, so don’t entice bandits by leaving keys in your vehicle or valuable possessions in plain view. Always follow these sensible tips:

  • Park in well-lit spots and choose lots with guards or surveillance cameras if possible. Vehicles positioned in busier spots are also less likely to be stolen
  • Keep valuable possessions out of sight. If you must store pricy belongings in your car, put them in the trunk or glove compartment.
  • Secure locks and close windows, even if you park in your garage. You might forget to close your garage door, especially during warm summer evenings.
  • Never leave keys within your automobile. 
  • Don’t leave your vehicle idling without you inside. It requires only a matter of moments for a thief to steal it.
  • Implement deterrents like a car alarm or a steering-wheel lock.

Outdoor surveillance helps safeguard cars in Scranton

Most criminals will think twice about burglarizing an automobile or home if they spot video cameras. You can make your surveillance devices even more noticeable by choosing ones equipped with audible or visible deterrents. If a burglar gets too close, your camera will promptly react by sounding an alarm or flashing a light. An essential aspect of your property’s protection, surveillance devices are an excellent tool for deterring car break-ins, specifically if you typically keep vehicles in the driveway.

When selecting surveillance cameras, look for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for clear images
  • Night vision, as countless break-ins take place at night. Even with night vision, you’ll want to ensure you have enough lighting, particularly by your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to obtain a more extensive perspective of your home’s surroundings, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can distinguish the difference between cars, people, and animals
  • Integrated motion-detection lighting

The top cameras will integrate seamlessly into your automated home. When a camera notices questionable actions, you’ll get a prompt warning via the home security app on your smartphone. You may also view live feeds or recordings from anywhere you are.

Watch over your autos and your Scranton home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Scranton area with advanced smart home devices from Vivint. Our surveillance cameras with built-in deterrence are fantastic options to watch over your cars. You can review video streams swiftly and simply with our app. Find out more about our video cameras and our unified home security installations by dialing (570) 775-5689 today.