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How to deter car break-ins in Rockford

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

Vehicle theft and break-ins are a continuing problem throughout our nation. As detailed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over one million cars were documented stolen in 2022. It’s not only the amount that’s alarming, but also where the crimes take place, as they’re frequently right outside our front doors. Fortunately, there are several actions you can take to deter car break-ins in Rockford. See what they are and explore how your smart home can help.

Take action to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle theft and break-ins are usually opportunistic crimes, so don’t lure unscrupulous actors by leaving keys inside your car or valuable items on the seat. Always adhere to these practical guidelines:

  • Park in well-lit locations and use lots with video cameras or security guards if possible. Vehicles positioned in more active places are also less prone to be stolen
  • Keep valuables hidden. If you must leave expensive items in your car, move them to the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Lock doors and close windows, even if you park in your garage. You might overlook closing your garage door, particularly during warmer months.
  • Never keep keys in your car. 
  • Avoid leaving your car idling unattended. It only takes a matter of moments for someone to take it.
  • Install deterrents like an alarm or a steering-wheel lock.

Surveillance cameras help protect vehicles in Rockford

The majority of thieves will shy away from intruding on a vehicle or home if they notice video cameras. You can make your surveillance components even more evident by opting for ones equipped with visible or audible deterrents. If an intruder gets too close, your camera will immediately reply by flashing light or sounding an alarm. A critical element of your property’s protection, video cameras are an excellent tool for preventing car break-ins, especially if you often leave vehicles in the driveway.

When picking surveillance cameras, shop for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for clear images
  • Night vision, as numerous break-ins happen at darker hours. Even with night vision, you’ll need to make sure you have ample lighting, particularly around your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to get a more extensive perspective of the front of your house, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can distinguish the difference between pets, cars, and people
  • Incorporated motion-detection lighting

The top video cameras will connect seamlessly into your smart home. Whenever a camera spots dubious movements, you’ll get an instant notification through the home security app on your mobile device. You can also check live feeds or recordings from wherever you are.

Protect your vehicles and your Rockford home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins and theft in your Rockford neighborhood with advanced smart home devices from Vivint. Our surveillance cameras with built-in deterrence are fantastic options to keep an eye on your autos. You can review live and recorded footage swiftly and easily with our mobile app. Find out more about our video cameras and our fully integrated home security plans by placing a call to (815) 362-1830 today.