car break-in

Smashed window theft

A car break-in is the act of illegally entering a vehicle, typically to steal items inside.

The term usually implies forced entry—smashing a window or jimmying a lock—rather than finding an unlocked door.

There's been a rash of car break-ins in the neighborhood.

Unlike car theft, the goal is usually valuables left visible rather than the vehicle itself.

Related

shattered · stolen · valuables · parking · lot · parking garage · dark alley · alarm · crowbar · vandalism · insurance · insurance claim · police · police report · report · dashboard · stereo · GPS

Categories
Opposites
security outcome

car break-insecure parking

Protected area for vehicles

anti-theft system · theft prevention · valet parking · garage storage · immobilizer

crime severity

car break-ingrand theft auto

Unlawful vehicle taking

carjacking · vehicle theft · auto theft

unauthorized vs. authorized access

car break-inkeyless entry

Lock bypass without keys

Family

car, break, cars, breaking, breaks, broke, broken, breakage, breakable

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG