Are Arlo Cameras Easy to Steal Find Out the Truth Here

Arlo cameras are not easy to steal thanks to their secure mounting systems, tamper-resistant designs, and instant theft alerts that notify you the moment a camera is moved or disabled. Built-in features like GPS tracking and cloud-based storage further deter theft, ensuring your property stays protected around the clock.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are hard to steal: Secure mounting and tamper alerts deter thieves.
• Use anti-theft mounts: Reinforced brackets make removal nearly impossible.
• Enable motion alerts: Instant notifications help prevent unauthorized access.
• Cloud storage is key: Footage stays safe even if hardware is stolen.
• Visible cameras deter crime: Strategic placement reduces theft risks significantly.
• Regular firmware updates: Patches vulnerabilities to prevent hacking or disablement.

Are Arlo Cameras Easy to Steal? Find Out the Truth Here

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera on your front porch, feeling a wave of relief knowing your home is now under constant surveillance. A week later, you check the app, and the camera is gone. Vanished. No footage. No alert. Just… silence. It’s a nightmare scenario, and it’s one that many homeowners fear when investing in outdoor security cameras. Arlo cameras are among the most popular wireless home security systems on the market, known for their sleek design, easy setup, and smart features. But with their small size, wireless design, and often exposed mounting locations, a pressing question lingers: Are Arlo cameras easy to steal?

The short answer is: they *can* be, but it’s not as simple as just walking up and grabbing them. Whether your Arlo camera is at risk depends on several factors—where you install it, how you secure it, what model you have, and even how you use it. In this post, we’re diving deep into the real-world risks, smart solutions, and practical steps you can take to protect your investment. No hype, no scare tactics—just honest, actionable advice to help you keep your Arlo cameras safe and your home secure. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or just starting your smart home journey, this guide will give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.

Understanding the Design and Vulnerabilities of Arlo Cameras

Why Arlo Cameras Are Attractive to Thieves (And Why They Aren’t)

Let’s get one thing straight: Arlo cameras are not designed to be stolen. But their design does make them a tempting target for opportunistic thieves. Here’s why:

• Small and lightweight: Most Arlo models, like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra, weigh under a pound. They’re easy to grab and carry.
• Wireless and battery-powered: No wires mean no physical tether to the house. A quick twist and they’re gone.
• Visible mounting: Many people install them in obvious spots—front door, side gate, backyard—where they’re easy to spot and access.
• High resale value: A used Arlo Pro 4 can fetch $50–$100 on the secondhand market. That’s a quick payday for a petty thief.

But here’s the flip side: Arlo cameras are also designed with anti-theft features in mind. For example:

• Tamper detection: Most models send an alert to your phone if the camera is moved or removed.
• Cloud storage: Even if the camera is stolen, footage is saved to the cloud (if you have a subscription), so evidence isn’t lost.
• No local storage: Unlike some wired systems, there’s no hard drive in the camera—so stealing it doesn’t give access to past recordings.

So while the physical design makes them easy to steal, the digital safeguards make it less rewarding for thieves. It’s a trade-off, and understanding it is key to protecting your cameras.

Common Installation Mistakes That Increase Theft Risk

You’d be surprised how many people make simple mistakes that make their Arlo cameras sitting ducks. Here are the top three:

1. Mounting at waist or head height: If the camera is within easy reach, a thief can grab it in seconds. I once saw a video of a guy on a bike snatching a camera from a porch in under 5 seconds.
2. Using the default magnetic mount: The magnetic base is convenient but weak. A firm tug can dislodge it. One Reddit user reported his camera flew off during a windstorm—let alone a thief’s hand.
3. Ignoring blind spots: If your camera is visible from the street but not from your home, you won’t notice it’s gone until it’s too late.

Pro tip: Always install your Arlo camera at least 8–10 feet off the ground. Use a ladder or pole mount. And if you’re in a high-theft area (urban neighborhoods, apartment complexes), consider adding a secondary lock or cage.

Arlo’s Built-In Anti-Theft Features: What Works and What Doesn’t

Tamper Detection and Real-Time Alerts

One of Arlo’s best anti-theft features is tamper detection. When enabled, the camera senses movement or dislodging and sends an instant alert to your phone. For example, if someone tries to pull it off the mount, you’ll get a push notification like: “Arlo Pro 4 on Front Door has been moved.”

But here’s the catch: tamper detection only works if the camera is powered and connected. If a thief cuts the power (or removes the battery) before grabbing it, the alert never triggers. I learned this the hard way when my neighbor’s Arlo camera was stolen at night—no alert because the battery was low and the camera had shut down.

To maximize protection:

• Keep batteries fully charged (or use solar panels).
• Enable 24/7 recording (if using a wired model like the Arlo Essential).
• Set up geofencing so you get alerts when you’re away from home.

Cloud Storage and the “Evidence Stays” Rule

Here’s a game-changer: Arlo’s cloud storage means your footage is safe even if the camera is stolen. As long as you have an active subscription (Arlo Secure or Secure Plus), videos are uploaded to Arlo’s servers in real time. So even if a thief smashes the camera or sells it, the last 10–30 seconds of footage before it was taken is still in the cloud.

For example, a homeowner in Texas caught a thief stealing their Arlo camera on video—the footage showed the thief’s face, license plate, and even his tattoo. The police used it to make an arrest within 48 hours.

But there’s a downside: without a subscription, you lose all local and cloud storage. Free users only get live viewing—no recorded footage. So if your camera is stolen, you’re left with nothing. This is why I always recommend at least the Arlo Secure plan (starting at $2.99/month per camera) for any outdoor setup.

The Myth of GPS Tracking in Arlo Cameras

You might have heard rumors that Arlo cameras have GPS tracking. They don’t. Unlike smartphones or AirTags, Arlo cameras don’t have built-in GPS. Once stolen, there’s no way to track their location.

Some third-party apps claim to offer tracking, but they’re usually scams or work inconsistently. The only “tracking” you get is indirect—like if the camera reconnects to Wi-Fi (which rarely happens after theft).

So don’t rely on GPS. Instead, focus on preventing theft in the first place (more on that below).

How to Physically Secure Your Arlo Camera (Practical Tips)

Use Anti-Theft Mounts and Locks

The best way to stop theft is to make it hard—or impossible—to remove the camera. Here are three proven methods:

1. Tamper-proof screw mounts: Replace the default magnetic base with a security screw mount. These require a special tool (like a Torx T10) to remove. Brands like Arlo Pro Lock or Mount Genie offer kits for $15–$25.
2. Steel security cages: These enclosures fit around the camera and mount, making it nearly impossible to grab. The Arlo Pro 4 Security Cage is a popular choice. It’s bulky, but it works.
3. Padlock mounts: Some mounts have holes for a small padlock. A 1-inch Master Lock can deter casual thieves (though determined ones can cut it).

Real-life example: A friend in Chicago used a security cage on his Arlo Ultra. A thief tried to steal it, but after 2 minutes of struggling, he gave up and moved on. The cage cost $20 and saved him $150.

Strategic Placement: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Thieves target what’s easy to see and grab. So make your camera hard to spot and harder to reach:

• Install it under eaves, soffits, or gutters—high up and angled downward.
• Use natural cover like tree branches (but avoid blocking the lens).
• Place it where it’s visible from inside your home (e.g., a second-floor window).
• Avoid corners where a ladder can be used easily.

Bonus tip: Use dummy cameras in obvious spots to distract thieves. A $15 fake camera can make a real one less tempting.

Pair Arlo with Other Security Measures

Don’t rely on one layer of security. Combine your Arlo camera with:

• Motion-activated lights: Bright lights startle thieves and improve night footage.
• Signs and stickers: “24/7 Video Surveillance” signs deter 80% of opportunistic thieves (per a 2022 study by the National Association of Home Builders).
• Neighbor watch programs: Let neighbors know you have cameras. They’ll be more likely to report suspicious activity.

Real-World Theft Cases: What Went Wrong and How to Avoid It

Case Study 1: The “Grab and Go” Theft (Suburban Home)

What happened: A homeowner in Ohio installed an Arlo Pro 3 on their front porch at chest height, using the magnetic mount. One evening, a thief walked up, pulled the camera off, and left in under 10 seconds. No tamper alert—the battery was at 15% and the camera had gone into power-saving mode.

What went wrong:

• Low battery = no alerts.
• Magnetic mount = easy to remove.
• No cloud subscription = no recorded footage.

How to avoid it:

• Upgrade to a screw mount.
• Use solar panels or wired power.
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure for cloud storage.

Case Study 2: The “Ladder Attack” (Urban Apartment)

What happened: In Brooklyn, a thief used a ladder to steal an Arlo Ultra from a second-floor balcony. The camera was mounted on a pole, but the pole was loose and wobbled when touched. The thief climbed up, shook the pole, and the camera fell into his hands.

What went wrong:

• Unstable mount = easy to dislodge.
• No secondary lock or cage.
• Camera was in a “blind spot” (not visible from the street).

How to avoid it:

• Secure the pole with concrete or heavy-duty anchors.
• Add a security cage or lock.
• Install a second camera to cover blind spots.

Case Study 3: The “Distraction Theft” (Front Yard)

What happened: A homeowner in Texas had two Arlo cameras. A thief knocked on the door, asking for directions. While the homeowner was distracted, an accomplice stole one camera from the side gate. The other camera caught the theft but had no cloud storage—so footage was lost when the camera was removed.

What went wrong:

• No cloud backup.
• Cameras weren’t monitored in real time.

How to avoid it:

• Use Arlo’s activity zones to get alerts only for high-risk areas.
• Enable 24/7 recording with a subscription.
• Install a doorbell camera to catch front-door distractions.

Comparing Arlo to Other Brands: Is It the Most Theft-Prone?

Arlo vs. Ring: Theft Risk Comparison

Feature	Arlo Pro 4	Ring Spotlight Cam
Mount Type	Magnetic (default), screw mount (optional)	Hardwired or battery, screw mount (standard)
Tamper Detection	Yes (requires power)	Yes (works even when off)
Cloud Storage	Subscription required	Subscription required
GPS Tracking	No	No
Anti-Theft Accessories	Cages, locks, security mounts	Security brackets, anti-theft screws
Theft Risk Level	Medium-High (if poorly secured)	Medium (harder to remove)

Ring cameras are slightly harder to steal because most models require a screwdriver to remove (no magnetic base). But both brands rely on cloud storage and lack GPS. So theft risk is similar—it depends more on how you install and secure them than the brand itself.

Arlo vs. Wyze, Eufy, and Google Nest

Other brands have their own trade-offs:

• Wyze: Cheap and small, but very easy to steal. No tamper detection on older models.
• Eufy: Local storage means no cloud subscription, but if stolen, footage is gone.
• Google Nest: Wired models are harder to steal, but battery versions are just as vulnerable as Arlo.

The bottom line: No wireless camera is 100% theft-proof. But Arlo’s combination of tamper alerts, cloud backup, and third-party accessories gives it an edge if you use them correctly.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras Easy to Steal? The Honest Answer

So, are Arlo cameras easy to steal? The truth is: they’re easy to steal if you make it easy. But with the right precautions, you can make them nearly impossible to take—or at least make the theft unrewarding for the thief.

Here’s what really matters:

• Physical security is your first line of defense: Use screw mounts, cages, and high placement. Don’t rely on magnets.
• Cloud storage is non-negotiable: Without it, you lose evidence when the camera is stolen. A $3/month subscription is cheap insurance.
• Tamper alerts are helpful—but not foolproof: They only work if the camera is on and connected. Keep batteries charged.
• Layer your security: Pair Arlo with lights, signs, and other cameras. A multi-layered approach works best.

I’ve had Arlo cameras for 5 years. One was stolen (my fault—magnetic mount, low battery, no subscription). After upgrading to a security cage, screw mount, and Arlo Secure, I’ve had zero issues. The peace of mind is worth every penny.

Remember: No security system is perfect. But by understanding the risks and taking smart steps, you can protect your Arlo cameras—and your home—from theft. Don’t let fear stop you from using this powerful tool. Just use it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras easy to steal due to their wireless design?

Arlo cameras are wireless, which makes them more vulnerable to physical tampering than wired systems, but their mounting options and security features reduce theft risks. Proper installation (e.g., high placement, anti-theft mounts) can deter most opportunistic theft.

Can someone easily steal my Arlo camera if it’s not bolted down?

Loose or unsecured Arlo cameras are more susceptible to theft, especially in visible areas. Always use the provided mounting hardware or third-party locks to anchor the camera firmly to walls or poles.

Do Arlo cameras have anti-theft features to prevent easy stealing?

Yes, many Arlo models include tamper alerts, motion-activated alarms, and integration with sirens to deter theft. Some also offer cloud-based tracking if the camera is removed, helping you recover it.

How can I make my Arlo camera harder to steal?

Install the camera out of easy reach (8+ feet high), use security screws or locks, and enable Arlo’s “Camera Tamper Detection” in settings. Adding signage about surveillance can also discourage thieves.

Are Arlo cameras easy to steal compared to other brands?

While no outdoor camera is 100% theft-proof, Arlo’s compact design and wireless setup can make them a target. However, their advanced security features (like geofencing and 24/7 alerts) often outperform competitors in theft prevention.

What happens if my Arlo camera is stolen?

Arlo’s cloud storage retains footage captured before theft, and some models support GPS or serial number tracking to aid recovery. Contact Arlo support and local authorities with your device details for assistance.