Vehicle Break-in Information
If your vehicle is parked on the street or in your driveway, you have options. Here's what works, based on what we're seeing.
Your Choice: Locked or Unlocked
This is your decision. Both strategies have trade-offs. Know the implications.
If you lock your vehicle:
● Pro: Thieves can't open the door quietly.
● Con: In our precinct, locked vehicles are still being broken into—window smashed, forced entry, alarm triggered.
● Con: You pay for window repair, and your car is vulnerable while damaged.
● Con: Broken glass on the seat and floor.
If you leave it unlocked:
● Pro: Thief checks the door, finds nothing inside, moves on. No broken glass. No damage. No repair.
● Pro: Your car is ready to use the next morning.
● Con: You must remove ALL valuables inside. No exceptions.
● Con: Requires discipline—every single time you park.
The bottom line: An empty vehicle—locked or unlocked—is not worth breaking into. Removing valuables is your real defense.
Remove & Take Inside:
● Phone chargers, headphones, electronics
● Backpacks, bags, purses (even if empty)
● Sunglasses, hats, personal items
● Garage door openers (criminals use these for home entry)
● Registration, insurance cards, tax returns (anything with your address)
● Coins, loose change, any visible items on seats
Additional Deterrents:
● Visible video surveillance. Install a doorbell camera or driveway camera with visible recording light. Criminals avoid recorded areas.
● Motion-activated lighting. Front porch and driveway lights—proven to reduce break-ins 40–60%.
● Clear sightlines. Trim bushes, move bins. Thieves target hidden or blocked driveways.
● Steering wheel lock or brake pedal lock. Visible deterrent—may deter opportunistic thieves.
● Window tint. Reduces visibility into your vehicle.
● Alarm system decal. Even an older system signals added friction.
● Dash camera. Recording light and potential witness footage.
Where & How You Park:
● Use your driveway if you have one—safer than street parking.
● If parking on street, choose well-lit areas near streetlights.
● Back into driveway so you face the street—better visibility and faster exit.
● Avoid dark, isolated, or brush-blocked areas.
● Vary your routine if possible—predictability makes you an easy mark.
● Never leave your car running or with keys inside.
Neighborhood Watch:
● Coordinate with neighbors on visible lighting and parking strategy.
● Create a social media alert network—share photos and descriptions of suspicious vehicles or activity.
● Report immediately. Don't wait. A circling vehicle or person checking cars is actionable.
● Document suspicious activity: time, vehicle description, direction of travel, which addresses were checked.
If your vehicle is broken into:
● Call the police or file a report online at: www.columbuspolice.org and get a report number. If you file an insurance claim, you will need the report number. Take photos of the scene and damage if entry was forced.
● Share details: Post suspect/vehicle description on neighborhood alert network.