Vehicle theft remains a significant concern for many homeowners. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights it is the second-highest type of crime.
"Although there was no change to vehicle-related theft overall (which includes theft from a vehicle, theft of vehicles, and attempted theft of and from vehicles), the CSEW shows a 48% increase in theft of vehicles in the year ending September 2023, with an estimated 106,000 incidents compared with 72,000 incidents in the year ending September 2022. This reflects increases seen in police recorded theft or unauthorised taking of a vehicle."
With car theft on the rise, it's essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your vehicle. So how can you prevent your car from being stolen from your driveway? One effective tool in car theft prevention is the Arlo Video Doorbell. This guide will discuss the features of the Arlo Video Doorbell that help protect your car and provide tips on how to prevent car theft from your driveway.
Arlo Video Doorbells for Car Theft Prevention
1. Motion Detection
One of the standout features of the Arlo Video Doorbell is its advanced motion detection capabilities. The doorbell can detect movement around your vehicle and send instant alerts to your smartphone. This real-time notification allows you to take immediate action. If your device detects suspicious activity near your car, taking immediate action can help prevent the crime.
2. High-Definition Video
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers high-definition video recording. This ensures clear and detailed footage of any activity around your vehicle. This high-quality video can be crucial in identifying potential car thieves and providing evidence to law enforcement. In the unfortunate event of a car theft, you'll have the evidence you need to catch them.
3. Wide-Angle View
With a 180-degree wide-angle view, the Arlo Video Doorbell captures a broad area. You can monitor your entire driveway and the surrounding space. This comprehensive coverage makes it more difficult for car robbers to approach your vehicle undetected. Often thieves are aware of this, and a clear camera view is enough of a deterrent for them to target elsewhere.
4. Night Vision
Many vehicle thefts occur under the cover of darkness. The Arlo Video Doorbell has night vision, allowing you to monitor your driveway effectively in low-light conditions. This ensures that your car is protected around the clock, giving you peace of mind.
5. Two-Way Audio
The two-way audio feature of the Arlo Doorbell enables you to communicate with anyone near your vehicle. This can be a powerful deterrent, as car thieves are likely to be scared off if they hear a voice challenging their presence. You can also use this feature to instruct delivery drivers or visitors without opening your door.
Additional Tips to Prevent Car Theft
1. Secure Your Vehicle
Always lock your car doors and close all windows, even if you’re only leaving your vehicle unattended for a short time. Never leave the car keys in the vehicle, even if you're on your property. With the keys in hand, vehicle crime can happen in no time at all. Consider using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks to make your car less appealing to thieves.
2. Protect Keyless Entry Systems
Vehicles with keyless entry systems unlock automatically when the key fob is close to the car. Your car does not have keyless entry if you press a button on your key to unlock it. Keyless car theft (also called 'relay theft') occurs when criminals use a device to trick the car into thinking the key fob is nearby. This allows them to unlock the car and start the ignition.
Thieves can capture the signal from your key fob even if it is inside your home and your car is locked and secure. They only need to be within a few metres of the key fob to do so. When you are at home, you must keep your key fob and any spare keys away from your car, doors, and windows. Ideally, store your keys in a Faraday pouch for signal blocking or disable the wireless signals when the key is not in use.
3. Install an Alarm System
A good quality car alarm can deter thieves and alert you to attempted break-ins. Modern car security alarms can integrate with your smartphone. This allows them to send real-time alerts similar to those of the Arlo Video Doorbell.
4. Use a GPS Tracker
Installing a tracking device in your car can help you recover it quickly if it is stolen. These devices allow you to monitor your vehicle’s location in real-time. If someone steals your car, it provides valuable data to law enforcement. It greatly improves the chances of recovering stolen vehicles.
5. Park in Well-Lit Areas
If possible, park your car in a well-lit area, both overnight and when you are out and about. Thieves are less likely to target cars that are visible to passers-by. Installing additional lighting around your driveway can also help deter car robbers.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Do not leave valuables in your car where others can see them; take them with you whenever you can. Items like handbags, electronics, and even loose change can attract thieves. Keep the interior of your car tidy and free of tempting items.
7. Be Vigilant
Stay alert to suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. If you notice someone acting strangely or loitering around vehicles, report it to the police. Being part of a neighbourhood watch scheme can enhance overall community security, as well as reduce the chance of stolen cars.
Car Theft Protection
With vehicle theft identified as the second highest type of crime in England and Wales, it's sensible to consider how to stop your car from being stolen.
The Arlo Video Doorbell, with advanced features that we've discussed, offers an effective solution for car theft prevention. Coupled with additional security measures like steering locks, you can significantly reduce the risk of car theft and ensure your vehicle remains safe. We've provided a range of ideas, as not all tactics are feasible for everyone. A combination of the above will reduce the chance of car crime on your property.
Having your car stolen is not just inconvenient for your travel plans but can involve hours of dealing with the police and insurance. It can also be incredibly upsetting to have your personal space invaded by a thief. Invest in robust security solutions today and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your car is well-protected.