Do People Steal Arlo Cameras Heres What You Need to Know

Yes, people do steal Arlo cameras, especially when they’re left exposed or poorly secured in visible outdoor locations. Motion alerts and cloud recordings can deter thieves, but the best protection is strategic placement, tamper-resistant mounts, and enabling 24/7 recording to ensure you capture critical evidence if theft occurs.

Key Takeaways

• Theft is rare: Arlo cameras are seldom targeted due to low resale value.
• Visible placement deters crime: Mount cameras high and in open, noticeable spots.
• Use anti-theft mounts: Secure cameras with tamper-proof hardware for added protection.
• Enable motion alerts: Get real-time notifications to monitor suspicious activity instantly.
• Register your device: Helps track and recover stolen cameras through Arlo support.
• Pair with signage: Display security signs to discourage potential thieves effectively.

The Curious Case of Stolen Arlo Cameras

You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera—maybe on your front porch, backyard, or garage. It’s sleek, smart, and promises peace of mind. But then you start wondering: *Do people actually steal Arlo cameras?* You’re not alone. It’s a question that pops up in online forums, Reddit threads, and even neighborhood Facebook groups. And honestly, it makes sense. These cameras are small, valuable, and often placed in semi-visible areas. But here’s the good news: while theft *does* happen, it’s not as common or inevitable as some might fear. And with the right precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risk.

In this article, we’re going to dig deep into the reality of Arlo camera theft. We’ll look at real-world examples, explore *why* someone might steal one, and—most importantly—show you how to protect your investment. Whether you’re a first-time Arlo user or a seasoned security pro, this guide is packed with practical tips, relatable stories, and data-driven insights. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee, where I share everything I’ve learned from years of testing, researching, and even (yes) having a camera go missing once. Let’s get into it.

Why Would Anyone Steal an Arlo Camera?

At first glance, stealing a small camera might seem pointless. It’s not a TV or a laptop. But when you look closer, there are actually a few solid reasons why someone might target an Arlo camera—and understanding these motives is key to preventing theft.

They’re Valuable and Resellable

Let’s start with the obvious: Arlo cameras aren’t cheap. A single Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2 can cost $150–$250. That’s a decent payday for someone looking to flip electronics. Even older models still fetch $50–$100 on secondhand marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. And because Arlo cameras are wireless and battery-powered, they’re easy to grab and go—no wires to cut, no hardwiring to undo. It’s like stealing a smartphone with a lens.

Here’s a real example: A friend of mine had his Arlo Pro 3 stolen from his backyard. Within 48 hours, it showed up on a local Facebook group for $80. The thief didn’t even bother resetting it—he just wiped the exterior and listed it as “like new.” That’s how fast the resale cycle can be.

They’re Seen as “Easy Targets”

Many Arlo cameras are mounted on poles, fences, or under eaves—places that are *visible* but not always *secure*. If a thief sees a camera that’s loosely attached or hanging from a flimsy bracket, they’ll assume it’s an easy grab. And let’s be honest: if it takes less than 10 seconds to unscrew and pocket, why wouldn’t they try?

One homeowner in Austin told me he used zip ties to mount his Arlo. “It looked fine,” he said. “But one night, I checked the footage and saw a guy in a hoodie just yanking it off like a weed. No tools, no struggle.” That’s the risk of convenience over security.

They’re Part of a Bigger Theft Plan

Sometimes, the camera isn’t the *goal*—it’s a *tool* to disable security. A thief might steal your Arlo to prevent it from recording their break-in, especially if they know you rely on it as your primary outdoor surveillance. In other cases, they might disable it temporarily (by removing the battery or covering the lens) and return later. But if they realize the camera is still recording or has cloud backup, they might decide to take it to avoid being identified.

This happened to a neighbor in my old neighborhood. His Arlo caught a guy casing the house. The guy didn’t break in that night—but the next day, the camera was gone. No sign of forced removal. Just… gone. It was a clear message: *I know you’re watching, and I’m not playing around.*

How Common Is Arlo Camera Theft?

Now for the million-dollar question: *How often does this actually happen?* There’s no official FBI database for smart camera theft (yet), but we can piece together a pretty clear picture from user reports, crime data, and common sense.

User Reports and Online Trends

A quick search on Reddit’s r/Arlo or r/homeautomation reveals dozens of posts with titles like:

• “My Arlo Pro 4 was stolen—any advice?”
• “Stolen Arlo camera found on OfferUp”
• “Is my Arlo safe on my fence?”

These aren’t isolated incidents. While not *every* Arlo owner experiences theft, it’s frequent enough to be a recurring topic. One user in a high-theft neighborhood reported losing *three* cameras in six months—all taken within minutes of each other during broad daylight. Another said her camera was stolen *twice* in one year, both times during trash day when foot traffic was high.

Crime Data and Neighborhood Risk

Arlo camera theft isn’t random—it’s heavily influenced by location. In areas with higher property crime rates (think: urban neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or homes near busy streets), the risk increases. According to a 2023 study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, homes with visible smart cameras saw a 27% reduction in break-ins—but a *12% increase* in camera-specific theft. That’s right: the very thing meant to deter crime can sometimes *attract* it.

Here’s a breakdown of risk factors:

Risk Factor	Likelihood of Theft	Why It Matters
High-crime neighborhood	High	More foot traffic, less police presence, higher demand for resale
Visible, easy-to-reach mounting	High	Cameras on fences, low poles, or zip ties are low-hanging fruit
No additional security (e.g., locks, alarms)	Medium-High	Thieves target the path of least resistance
Cameras in plain sight (no disguise)	Medium	Visible cameras may deter *some* crime but attract *targeted* theft
Rural or low-traffic areas	Low	Less foot traffic, but higher risk of isolated incidents

So while Arlo theft isn’t *epidemic-level*, it’s definitely a real concern—especially if you’re in a higher-risk area or haven’t taken basic precautions.

The “It Won’t Happen to Me” Mindset

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming theft won’t happen to them. “I live in a quiet neighborhood,” or “My camera is up high,” they say. But theft often happens when we’re *least* expecting it. A delivery driver, a neighbor’s friend, or even a kid walking by might see an opportunity and take it.

Remember: thieves don’t need a master plan. They just need a moment of distraction and a camera that’s easy to grab.

How Arlo Cameras Are Designed to Prevent Theft (And Where They Fall Short)

Arlo knows theft is a concern. That’s why their cameras come with *some* built-in anti-theft features. But like any security tech, they’re not foolproof. Let’s break down what works—and what doesn’t.

Tamper Detection and Alerts

Most modern Arlo cameras (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, etc.) include **tamper detection**. If someone tries to cover the lens, remove the battery, or shake the camera, it triggers an alert in the Arlo app. You’ll get a push notification, and the camera can start recording immediately. Some models even emit a loud siren to scare off intruders.

This is *great* in theory. But in practice? It only works if you’re paying attention. If your phone is on silent, or you’re asleep, you might not notice until it’s too late. One user told me his tamper alert came in at 2 a.m.—by the time he checked, the camera was already gone.

Cloud Recording and Video Backup

Here’s the real MVP: **cloud storage**. Even if your camera is stolen, the footage is still saved. Arlo’s subscription plans (like Secure, Secure Plus, or Premier) store video for 30 days. That means if someone steals your camera, you can still review the footage and potentially identify them.

But—and this is a big *but*—you need to have a subscription. If you’re using local storage (like a microSD card) or no plan, the video dies with the camera. I once helped a friend track down a stolen Arlo, only to realize he’d canceled his subscription six months ago. All the evidence was gone.

Where Arlo Falls Short: Physical Security

This is the big gap. Arlo focuses on *digital* security (cloud, encryption, alerts) but leaves *physical* security largely up to you. The stock mounting kits are flimsy. The cameras are lightweight. And there’s no built-in locking mechanism.

Think about it: a $200 camera should come with a way to *lock it down*. But instead, Arlo gives you a plastic mount and says, “Good luck.” That’s why so many users end up buying third-party anti-theft mounts, cages, or even custom 3D-printed enclosures.

The Battery Compartment Loophole

Another vulnerability: the battery. Most Arlo cameras use removable batteries. A thief can pop the back open, take the battery, and the camera dies instantly—no tamper alert, no recording. Even if they don’t steal the camera, they’ve disabled it. And if they’re smart, they’ll take the battery too, so you can’t just replace it and keep watching.

The fix? Some users epoxy the battery door shut or use tamper-proof screws. Not ideal, but sometimes necessary.

Practical Tips to Prevent Arlo Camera Theft

Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let’s talk solutions. You *can* protect your Arlo camera—and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Here are the most effective, real-world-tested strategies.

1. Use Anti-Theft Mounts and Cages

Stop using the stock mount. Seriously. Swap it for a **tamper-resistant mount** like the ones from:

• Arlo’s own Security Mount (metal, harder to pry)
• CamJaw (3D-printed cage that locks with a key)
• Kensington lock-compatible mounts (for added cable security)

One user in Chicago mounted his Arlo inside a metal birdhouse. “It looks like a decoration,” he said. “No one knows it’s a camera.” Clever, right?

2. Install in Hard-to-Reach Places

Mount your camera high—*really* high. Aim for 10+ feet if possible. Use a ladder or pole mount. Thieves are lazy. If they have to climb, stretch, or bring tools, they’ll likely move on.

Pro tip: Use a **telescoping pole** to install and adjust the camera without a ladder every time.

3. Add a Secondary Deterrent

Pair your Arlo with another layer of security:

• Motion-activated lights (thieves hate being seen)
• Signage (“24/7 Video Surveillance” signs can deter casual thieves)
• Fake cameras (place one near the real one to confuse potential thieves)

A friend of mine installed a cheap dummy camera next to his Arlo. “It looks identical,” he said. “Now I’m not sure which one they’d even try to steal.”

4. Enable All Alerts and Test Them

Go to the Arlo app and:

• Turn on tamper detection
• Set up activity zones to reduce false alerts
• Enable siren (if your model has one)
• Test the alerts by gently shaking the camera or covering the lens

Knowing the system works is half the battle.

5. Use a Subscription Plan (Yes, Really)

I know subscriptions are annoying. But for theft prevention, they’re *essential*. With cloud recording, your footage survives even if the camera doesn’t. And if you catch a thief, you can share the video with police—or post it online to warn others.

Even the basic Arlo Secure plan ($2.99/month per camera) gives you 30-day cloud storage and AI-powered detection. Worth every penny.

What to Do If Your Arlo Camera Is Stolen

It happened. You check your app, and the camera’s offline. No signal. No battery. Nothing. Don’t panic. Here’s your step-by-step action plan.

Step 1: Check the Footage Immediately

Log into your Arlo account and review the last 24–48 hours of footage. Look for:

• The exact time the camera went offline
• Any suspicious activity before the theft
• Clear images of the thief (face, clothing, vehicle)

Save the video clips and take screenshots. Time-stamped evidence is gold.

Step 2: Report to the Police

File a police report. Include:

• The stolen camera’s serial number (found on the box or in the app)
• Video evidence
• Any details about the thief

Even if they can’t recover the camera, a report creates a paper trail. It also helps if the camera is found later.

Step 3: Monitor Secondhand Marketplaces

Check sites like:

• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• Letgo

Search for your camera’s model and location. One user found his stolen Arlo listed with the exact same mounting bracket still attached. He messaged the seller, got a location, and the police recovered it.

Step 4: Deactivate the Camera (If Possible)

In the Arlo app, you can “remove” the camera from your account. This won’t erase the footage, but it prevents the thief from using it with your account. If they try to set it up, they’ll need your login—which they don’t have.

Note: Arlo doesn’t have a remote “kill switch,” but removing it limits their options.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe

So, do people steal Arlo cameras? Yes—but it’s not inevitable. With the right setup, awareness, and a few smart precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of home security *without* the headache of theft.

Think of it like locking your car. You don’t do it because you *expect* it to be stolen—you do it because it’s easy, cheap, and gives you peace of mind. The same goes for your Arlo. Use a secure mount. Enable cloud recording. Install it out of reach. And if the worst happens, know how to respond.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera isn’t just a gadget. It’s a guardian. And like any good guardian, it deserves protection. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your home safe—one smart camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people steal Arlo cameras?

Yes, like any outdoor security device, Arlo cameras can be targeted by thieves, especially if they’re easily accessible or not properly secured. However, Arlo’s design and optional mounting options make them harder to remove than many competitors.

How often are Arlo cameras stolen compared to other brands?

While exact theft rates aren’t publicly tracked, Arlo’s popularity makes them a common target. Their wireless design and lack of visible wiring can actually deter some thieves who fear tampering with active devices.

Can thieves disable Arlo cameras to avoid being recorded?

Most thieves won’t risk disabling Arlo cameras since they operate on batteries and send alerts instantly. Even if stolen, cloud-stored footage prior to the theft often remains accessible to the owner.

What makes Arlo cameras less likely to be stolen?

Arlo cameras often come with anti-theft mounts, tamper alerts, and optional cable locks. Their sleek design also makes them harder to grip and remove quickly compared to bulkier outdoor cameras.

Should I worry about my Arlo camera being stolen if it’s mounted high?

Mounting your Arlo camera high reduces theft risk significantly, as it becomes harder to reach and remove. Pair this with a security screw or cable lock for even better protection.

What should I do if my Arlo camera is stolen?

Immediately check your Arlo app for last-known footage and report the theft to local authorities. If your camera had a subscription, cloud-stored videos may still provide evidence even after the device is gone.