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How to deter car break-ins in Fort Collins

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

Car theft and break-ins are a growing issue throughout our nation. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, over one million vehicles were recorded stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not merely the number that’s troubling, but also the location of the crimes, as they frequently take place right where we live. Fortunately, there are several actions you can take to deter car break-ins in Fort Collins. Find what they are and learn how your smart home can assist you.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Auto theft and break-ins are typically opportunistic actions, so don’t entice bandits by leaving keys in your car or expensive possessions on the seat. Always adhere to these common-sense suggestions:

  • Park in brightly illuminated areas and choose lots with guards or video cameras when possible. Vehicles left in higher-traffic spots are also less likely to be targeted
  • Keep valuable possessions out of sight. If you must store pricy things in your car, move them to the trunk or glove compartment.
  • Lock doors and raise windows, even when parking in your garage. You may overlook lowering your garage door, specifically during warmer months.
  • Never store keys in your vehicle. 
  • Don’t leave your car idling with nobody inside. It only takes a matter of moments for a thief to snatch it.
  • Implement deterrents like a steering-wheel lock or an alarm system.

Surveillance cameras help shield cars in Fort Collins

Many prowlers will shy away from breaking into a vehicle or residence if they see video surveillance. Your cameras will be even more visible if they include active deterrents. If a thief gets too close, your camera will promptly respond by showing a bright light or activating an alarm. An essential facet of your property’s protection, video cameras are an excellent tool for discouraging car break-ins, especially if you often park 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 in low-light conditions. Even when utilizing night vision, you’ll want to make sure you have ample lighting, predominantly near your garage.
  • Wide viewing angles to obtain a full picture of the front of your house, including your driveway
  • Innovative detection that can distinguish the difference between people, pets, and cars
  • Built-in motion-detection lighting

The top cameras will integrate easily into your smart home. When a camera notices suspicious movements, you’ll get a prompt notification via the home security app on your smartphone. You’ll also be able to review video footage from wherever you are.

Safeguard your cars and your Fort Collins home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins in your Fort Collins community with the latest smart home equipment from Vivint. Our video cameras with built-in deterrence are outstanding options to keep an eye on your cars. You’ll appreciate checking video streams rapidly and simply with our app. Discover more about our cameras and our fully integrated home security installations by dialing (970) 703-0718 today.