By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Vehicle theft is common
Two-wheeler theft is among the most frequently reported property crimes in Bangalore, and cars are targeted for batteries, wheels, side mirrors, logos and items left inside. Bikes parked on the road outside independent houses, in open car porches or in large apartment basements are the usual targets. Most thefts take a minute or two, often in the early hours.
Cameras that actually help
One wide camera rarely reads number plates. Use a dedicated camera with the right lens where vehicles pass slowly, such as the gate or ramp.
| Camera | Purpose | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Parking overview | Shows all vehicles and movement | Wide lens, mounted high |
| Gate or exit camera | Captures number plates and faces leaving | Narrower lens, aimed at where vehicles slow down |
| Porch camera at eye level | Faces of anyone approaching vehicles | Good lighting or colour night vision |
| Basement ramp camera (apartments) | Every vehicle entering and leaving | WDR for the bright ramp opening |
Lighting and gates
- Keep porch and parking areas lit at night; motion lights save power.
- Close and lock the gate at night, or automate it so it is always closed.
- Park two-wheelers inside the compound, not on the road.
- In apartments, ask for boom barriers or RFID access at basement entrances.
Physical protection
- Disc locks or chain locks on two-wheelers, in addition to the steering lock.
- Steering wheel and pedal locks for cars.
- GPS trackers hidden in vehicles, with alerts on movement.
- Wheel locks for alloy wheels.
- Never leave bags, laptops or documents visible inside cars.
Alerts at night
Cameras with human and vehicle detection can alert you when someone enters the parking area after midnight. Combined with a siren or voice warning on an active deterrence camera, this can stop a theft in progress.
Active deterrence cameras →After a theft
- Export the footage immediately, before it is overwritten.
- File a complaint with the police — online e-lost reports are available for some items, but vehicle theft needs an FIR.
- Inform your insurer quickly with the FIR and footage.
- Share the clip with your apartment association to check other cameras.
Apartment basements
Large basements are hard to watch. Associations should cover entry ramps with plate-reading cameras, place cameras every few rows with good lighting, keep recordings at least 30 days, and control access with RFID or number-plate recognition. EV charging bays need extra coverage.
EV charging and parking security →An example
An independent house in BTM Layout had a scooter stolen from the porch at 4 am; the old camera showed only a dark shape. The owner added a colour night vision camera at eye level beside the gate, a motion light, and a second camera with a narrow lens aimed at the gate opening. A month later, an attempted theft was caught on video with the face and the getaway bike’s number plate clearly visible, and the police traced the suspect.
Protect your vehicles
We design parking camera coverage that captures faces and number plates, and can add gate automation and alerts.
CCTV installation →Quick answers
Can CCTV read number plates at night?+
A camera with the right lens aimed where vehicles slow down, with good lighting or IR tuned for plates, can. Wide cameras usually cannot.
How do I protect my bike parked outside?+
Park inside the compound, use a disc or chain lock, light the area and cover it with a camera.
Is a GPS tracker worth it?+
For cars and expensive bikes, yes. It helps recovery and alerts you to movement.
What should I do first after a vehicle theft?+
Export the footage, file an FIR and inform your insurer.
Why are car batteries stolen?+
They are quick to remove and easy to sell. A camera with night alerts on the parking area and a locked bonnet release help.
Can apartments use number plate recognition?+
Yes. ANPR cameras at basement entrances can log every vehicle and open barriers for registered residents.
How long should parking footage be kept?+
At least 30 days, since thefts are sometimes noticed late.