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How to deter car break-ins in Yakima

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

Auto theft and break-ins are a growing problem throughout our nation. Per the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than one million cars were recorded stolen in 2022 alone. It’s not just the number that’s troubling, but also the sites of the crimes, as they typically occur right where we live. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to deter car break-ins in Yakima. Find what they are and discover how your smart home can improve protection.

Take steps to deter car break-ins and theft

Vehicle break-ins and theft are generally opportunistic crimes, so don’t lure unscrupulous actors by leaving pricy belongings in clear view or keys in the coin tray. Always abide by these common-sense tips:

  • Park in well-lit locations and pick lots with visible cameras or security personnel whenever possible. Vehicles parked in higher-traffic areas are also less apt to be targeted
  • Keep anything of value out of sight. If you have to store pricy belongings in your ride, place them in the glove compartment or trunk.
  • Lock doors and shut windows, even if you park in your garage. You could overlook lowering your garage door, specifically during warm summer evenings.
  • Never leave keys within your vehicle. 
  • Never leave your vehicle running without you inside. It requires only a matter of moments for a thief to steal it.
  • Install deterrents like a wheel immobilizer or an alarm system.

Surveillance cameras help safeguard vehicles in Yakima

The majority of criminals will avoid intruding on a vehicle or residence if they spot video surveillance. You can make your surveillance devices even more evident by choosing those with integrated active deterrents. If an intruder comes too close, your camera will immediately react by showing a bright light or activating an alarm. A crucial aspect of home protection, surveillance devices are an outstanding tool for discouraging car break-ins, especially if you regularly keep vehicles in the driveway.

When choosing video cameras, look for features like:

  • 1080p high-definition resolution for detailed imaging
  • Night vision, as numerous break-ins happen in low-light conditions. Even when using night vision, you’ll want to ensure you have adequate lighting, particularly around your garage.
  • Broad viewing angles to get a full perspective of your home’s surroundings, including your drive
  • Advanced detection that can distinguish the difference between pets, cars, and people
  • Built-in motion-sensing lighting

The top cameras will incorporate effortlessly into your home’s security. When a camera notices suspicious activity, you’ll get an immediate alert via the home security app on your smartphone. You can also view live feeds or recordings from any location.

Safeguard your vehicles and your Yakima home with Vivint

Deter car break-ins and theft in your Yakima area with the latest smart home devices from Vivint. Our surveillance cameras with active deterrence are outstanding options to keep watch over your cars. You can view live and recorded footage rapidly and effortlessly with our home security app. Find out more about our cameras and our unified home security systems by placing a call to (509) 790-6958 today.