Vivint Authorized Retailer Waco
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Waco & Surrounding Areas

How to deter car break-ins in Waco

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

Auto theft and break-ins are a growing problem in the United States. As detailed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million vehicles were documented stolen in 2022. It’s not only the number that’s troubling, but also the sites of the crimes, as they typically take place right outside our front doors. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to deter car break-ins in Waco. Find what they are and learn how your smart home can improve protection.

Take action to deter car break-ins and theft

Auto theft and break-ins are typically opportunistic crimes, so don’t entice bandits by leaving costly items in plain view or keys in the coin tray. Always abide by these common-sense guidelines:

  • Park in well-illuminated areas and choose lots with attendants or surveillance cameras if possible. Vehicles positioned in more active places are also less prone to be singled out
  • Keep anything of value concealed. If you have to leave expensive things in your ride, move them to the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Engage locks and close windows, even if you park in your garage. You might overlook lowering your garage door, especially during warm summer evenings.
  • Never store keys in your vehicle. 
  • Don’t leave your vehicle idling with nobody inside. It takes only a matter of moments for a criminal to snatch it.
  • Implement deterrents like a car alarm or a wheel immobilizer.

Surveillance cameras help protect vehicles in Waco

Most thieves will shy away from burglarizing a vehicle or home if they notice surveillance cameras. Your cameras will be even more evident if they include audible or visible deterrents. If a burglar gets too close, your camera will actively reply by activating an alarm or brightening a light. A crucial aspect of home protection, surveillance is an excellent tool for discouraging car break-ins, specifically if you typically leave vehicles outside.

When picking surveillance cameras, opt for features like:

  • 1080p high-def resolution for clear images
  • Night vision, as countless break-ins occur at night. Even when utilizing night vision, you’ll want to make certain you have adequate lighting, predominantly around your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to enjoy a complete perspective of the front of your house, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can recognize the difference between pets, cars, and people
  • Integrated motion-sensing lighting

The leading surveillance will connect effortlessly into your smart home. If a camera notices questionable actions, you’ll get a prompt notification through the home security app on your smartphone. You can also view video footage from any location.

Protect your cars and your Waco home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins and theft in your Waco community with innovative smart home equipment from Vivint. Our surveillance cameras with active deterrence are fantastic options to keep watch over your cars. You’ll enjoy reviewing camera footage rapidly and easily with our app. Find out more about our cameras and our unified home security plans by calling (254) 970-3775 today.