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How to deter car break-ins in Fresno

March 05, 2025
Thief breaking into a white automobile in a residential neighborhood

Auto theft and break-ins are an ongoing issue in our country. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over one million vehicles were recorded stolen in 2022. It’s not just the amount that’s alarming, but also the location of the crimes, as they frequently take place right outside our front doors. Thankfully, there are some actions you can take to deter car break-ins in Fresno. See what they are and learn how your smart home can assist you.

Take action to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle theft and break-ins are typically crimes of opportunity, so don’t entice unscrupulous actors by leaving valuable possessions in clear view or keys in the coin tray. Always adhere to these sensible tips:

  • Park in brightly illuminated locations and pick lots with guards or security cameras if possible. Vehicles left in more active spots are also less prone to be targeted
  • Keep valuables out of sight. If you need to keep pricy things in your ride, move them to the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Engage locks and close windows, even when parking in your garage. You may overlook shutting your garage door, particularly during warmer months.
  • Never keep keys inside your vehicle. 
  • Avoid leaving your vehicle idling with nobody inside. It takes only a few seconds for a thief to take it.
  • Implement deterrents like a steering-column lock or an alarm system.

Video cameras help protect cars in Fresno

Most prowlers will think twice about breaking into a vehicle or house if they see surveillance cameras. Your cameras will be even more evident if they have visible or audible deterrents. If a thief enters the detection zone, your camera will actively respond by sounding an alarm or brightening a light. An essential element of home protection, surveillance is an excellent tool for discouraging car break-ins, specifically if you often park vehicles on your driveway.

When picking surveillance cameras, shop for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for detailed imaging
  • Night vision, as numerous break-ins take place at darker hours. Even with night vision, you’ll need to ensure you have enough lighting, particularly near your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to get a complete view of your home’s exterior, including your drive
  • Innovative detection that can recognize the difference between pets, cars, and people
  • Incorporated motion-activated lighting

The top surveillance will integrate easily into your home’s security. Whenever a camera notices suspicious activity, you’ll get a prompt notification through the home security app on your phone. You can also check recordings or live feeds from any location.

Watch over your cars and your Fresno home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins and theft in your Fresno area with advanced smart home devices from Vivint. Our video cameras with active deterrence are fantastic options to keep an eye on your cars. You’ll like checking camera footage rapidly and simply with our app. Find out more about our cameras and our comprehensive home security systems by calling (559) 354-6624 today.