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How to deter car break-ins in Charlotte

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

Car theft and break-ins are a growing issue in the United States. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million automobiles were documented stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not only the quantity that’s alarming, but also the whereabouts of the crimes, as they typically occur right outside our homes. Thankfully, there are several actions you can take to deter car break-ins in Charlotte. Find what they are and learn how your smart home can help.

Make efforts to deter car break-ins and theft

Car theft and break-ins are usually opportunistic actions, so don’t entice unscrupulous actors by leaving keys in your car or costly belongings in clear view. Always follow these sensible guidelines:

  • Park in well-lit locations and pick lots with attendants or security cameras if possible. Vehicles left in busier spots are also less prone to be stolen
  • Keep valuable possessions out of sight. If you need to keep pricy things in your ride, place them in the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Lock doors and close windows, even when using your garage. You could overlook shutting your garage door, specifically during warmer months.
  • Never keep keys inside your vehicle. 
  • Never leave your car idling without you inside. It only takes a couple seconds for a criminal to take it.
  • Implement deterrents like a car alarm system or a steering-wheel lock.

Outdoor surveillance helps safeguard cars in Charlotte

Many thieves will shy away from intruding on an automobile or house if they notice surveillance cameras. You can make your surveillance components even more noticeable by choosing ones with built-in visible or audible deterrents. If a burglar gets too close, your camera will promptly react by triggering an alarm or brightening a light. An essential facet of your property’s protection, surveillance devices are an effective tool for discouraging car break-ins, specifically if you regularly keep vehicles on your driveway.

When picking video cameras, look for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for clear images
  • Night vision, as countless break-ins happen at darker hours. Even when utilizing night vision, you’ll have to make sure you have enough lighting, particularly around your garage.
  • Wide-angle viewing to enjoy a complete perspective of your home’s exterior, including your drive
  • Advanced detection that can tell the difference between people, pets, and cars
  • Integrated motion-activated lighting

The top cameras will integrate easily into your smart home. Whenever a camera spots questionable activity, you’ll get an immediate notification via the home security app on your mobile device. You’ll also be able to check video footage from wherever you are.

Protect your cars and your Charlotte home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Charlotte neighborhood with advanced smart home tools from Vivint. Our outdoor cameras with built-in deterrence are excellent options to keep an eye on your autos. You’ll enjoy reviewing camera footage swiftly and easily with our mobile app. Learn more about our surveillance options and our fully integrated home security systems by calling (704) 457-8797 today.