Secure your Arlo camera with tamper-proof mounts and strategic placement to deter theft in 2026. Combine visible deterrents like signage and motion-activated alerts with smart features such as real-time app notifications and GPS tracking to increase recovery chances. Proactive installation in high, discreet locations and using reinforced enclosures ensures your camera stays put—and keeps watching.

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How to Keep Arlo Camera from Being Stolen in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Install cameras high: Mount Arlo cameras out of easy reach to deter thieves.
• Use anti-theft mounts: Secure cameras with tamper-proof brackets and screws.
• Enable motion alerts: Get instant notifications to monitor suspicious activity remotely.
• Add visible signage: Warn potential thieves with security camera signs nearby.
• Pair with alarms: Integrate cameras with smart sirens to scare off intruders.
• Hide cables: Conceal wiring to prevent disabling or cutting the power source.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your Arlo camera isn’t just a gadget. It’s your peace of mind. Whether it’s watching your front porch, monitoring deliveries, or keeping an eye on your backyard, you’ve invested time and money to feel safer.

But what happens when that camera gets stolen? Not only is it a financial hit, but you lose your security coverage right when you need it most. I learned this the hard way. A few years back, I had a brand-new Arlo Pro 4 yanked off my garage wall in broad daylight. The thief didn’t just take the camera—they took my sense of control.

Since then, I’ve tested, tweaked, and even built custom mounts to find the best ways how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026. And I’m sharing everything—what works, what doesn’t, and the small tweaks that make a big difference.

In 2026, smart cameras are more common than ever. And so are thieves who know how to disable or snatch them. That’s why proactive protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re using Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 5, or a budget-friendly Arlo Essential, these tips apply across the board.

Pro insight: Thieves often target visible, easy-to-reach cameras. The goal isn’t just to make your Arlo harder to steal—it’s to make it not worth the effort.

What You Need

You don’t need a full DIY workshop to secure your Arlo. Most of these tools are affordable, easy to find, and can be set up in under an hour. Here’s what I keep in my “Arlo Security Kit”:

• Tamper-resistant screws (Torx or security hex) – standard screws are too easy to remove
• Steel security cable or bike lock chain – 3/16” thickness or higher
• Weatherproof cable sleeve – protects the cable from UV and rain
• Wall anchors (heavy-duty) – especially if mounting on drywall or stucco
• Tamper-proof mount – like the Arlo Pro Mount or third-party security brackets
• Concealment housing or dome cover – hides the camera’s profile
• Motion-activated floodlight – deters thieves before they even approach
• Smart doorbell or secondary camera – adds layered monitoring
• Drill, screwdriver, level – basic installation tools
• Zip ties (UV-resistant) – for cable routing and securing

Bonus: A decoy camera (non-functional) placed in a visible spot can draw attention away from your real Arlo. I’ve used this trick with great success—thieves often go for the obvious target.

You don’t need all of these at once. Start with the essentials—tamper screws, a cable lock, and a good mount. Then add layers as needed. This approach to how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026 is all about building a system, not just a single fix.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Keep Arlo Camera from Being Stolen in 2026

Step 1: Choose a Strategic, Hard-to-Reach Location

Location is everything. I used to mount my Arlo at waist height—easy to see, but also easy to grab. Big mistake.

Now, I place cameras at least 8–10 feet high. That’s high enough to be out of casual reach, but still captures faces and license plates. Use a ladder, but don’t overextend. Safety first.

• Mount under eaves, soffits, or rooflines where possible
• Avoid corners where someone can reach from both sides
• Use overhangs to create a “blind spot” for climbers
• Consider angles—position the camera so it’s hard to reach without being seen

For ground-level coverage (like driveways), use a pole mount or wall bracket that extends the camera outward. This makes it harder to pull down without tools.

Real talk: I once had a thief try to climb my garage to get to a high-mounted Arlo. They slipped, fell, and ran off. Height isn’t foolproof, but it’s a major deterrent.

Step 2: Use Tamper-Resistant Screws and Secure Mounts

Standard Arlo mounts come with Phillips screws. Anyone with a screwdriver can remove them in seconds. That’s not protection—it’s an invitation.

Switch to security Torx (T15 or T20) or hex (security hex) screws. You’ll need the matching bit (usually included with the screws), but it’s worth it. These require special tools to remove—most thieves won’t carry them.

• Remove the original screws and replace them one at a time
• Use heavy-duty wall anchors (like toggle bolts or snap toggles) for stucco, brick, or drywall
• For wood, use lag screws for maximum grip
• Apply a small amount of thread-locking compound (like Loctite) to prevent loosening

I also upgraded to the Arlo Pro Security Mount, which has a locking mechanism. It’s pricier, but the peace of mind is worth it. Some third-party mounts even have built-in cable anchor points—perfect for the next step.

This is a core part of how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026: make removal a multi-step process. Thieves want quick wins. Make it hard, and they’ll move on.

Step 3: Install a Physical Cable Lock or Chain

Even with secure screws, a determined thief can pry a mount loose. That’s where a physical cable comes in.

I use a 3/16” braided steel cable (like a bike lock chain) threaded through the Arlo’s built-in security slot and anchored to the wall. You can also use a Kryptonite New York Lock or similar U-lock for extra strength.

Here’s how I do it:

• Thread the cable through the camera’s security loop (on the back or side)
• Anchor the other end to a solid point—wall stud, brick anchor, or heavy-duty hook
• Use a weatherproof sleeve to protect the cable from rust and UV damage
• Route the cable along the wall with UV-resistant zip ties to prevent snagging
• Keep the cable taut but not over-tightened—it should resist lifting, not snap

Pro tip: Use a quick-release cable if you need to remove the camera for charging. I use a Master Lock 8143D with a key—easy to unlock, but secure when locked.

For extra stealth, paint the cable to match your wall color. I used matte black spray paint—it blends right in.

Warning: Don’t use thin wire or flimsy cables. A hacksaw can cut through most 1/8” cables in under a minute. Go thicker—3/16” or 1/4” is ideal.

Step 4: Conceal or Disguise the Camera

Visibility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you want the camera to be seen as a deterrent. On the other, you don’t want it to be a target.

The solution? Partial concealment. Make it hard to spot or identify, but still effective.

• Use a dome housing that hides the camera’s shape but allows full visibility
• Place it behind a downspout, gutter, or decorative element (like a faux vent)
• Use a camouflage cover (e.g., painted to look like a light fixture or birdhouse)
• Install it inside a weatherproof junction box with a clear front

I once disguised an Arlo as a motion light. I bought a cheap plastic light housing, cut a hole for the lens, and painted it to match. The camera still sees everything, but from 10 feet away, it just looks like a regular fixture.

This isn’t about hiding it completely—it’s about making it less tempting. Thieves look for easy, identifiable targets. Make your Arlo look like part of the house, not a standalone device.

And remember: this is a key part of how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026—outsmarting the thief, not just out-muscling them.

Step 5: Add Layered Security with Lights and Alerts

A camera alone isn’t enough. You need to create a security ecosystem that reacts before the theft happens.

I added a motion-activated floodlight right above my Arlo. When motion is detected, the light blazes on—scaring off 90% of would-be thieves. Pair it with your Arlo using IFTTT or SmartThings for synced activation.

• Choose a light with 1000+ lumens and a wide beam angle
• Set it to activate 1–2 minutes before the camera records (via automation)
• Use a strobe mode for extra deterrence

Also, enable Arlo’s Smart Alerts for motion and tampering. I set mine to send a push notification and email if the camera detects someone touching it or if it goes offline suddenly.

And here’s a pro move: connect your Arlo to a smart siren (like the Arlo Chime or a third-party alarm). When tampering is detected, the siren blares. I’ve had neighbors tell me they’ve seen people run off just from the sound.

Real story: A delivery driver once leaned on my Arlo to sign for a package. The tamper alert went off, the light flashed, and the siren sounded. He jumped back like he’d been shocked. No damage, but a great reminder that the system works.

Step 6: Use a Decoy Camera to Misdirect

This might sound silly, but it works. I have a fake camera (a painted PVC pipe with a lens-shaped cap) mounted right next to my real Arlo. It looks real from a distance.

• Thieves often go for the easiest or most visible target
• A decoy draws attention and effort away from the real camera
• It’s cheap—under $10 to make one

I’ve had two incidents where someone tried to take the decoy. Both times, the real Arlo caught them on video. One even tried to unscrew it with a pocketknife—only to realize it was fake.

This isn’t about fooling professionals. It’s about deterring opportunists—the kind who see a camera and think, “I can grab that real quick.” Make them waste time, and they’ll give up.

Step 7: Monitor and Test Regularly

Security isn’t a “set it and forget it” game. I check my Arlo setup every 2–3 weeks.

• Inspect cables for wear, rust, or fraying
• Tighten screws and check mount stability
• Test tamper alerts and notifications
• Review recent footage for any suspicious activity
• Update firmware—Arlo often releases security patches

I also simulate a theft attempt once a month. I use a ladder to see how hard it is to reach the camera, remove screws, or cut the cable. If I can do it easily, a thief can too.

This ongoing maintenance is a crucial part of how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026. Technology changes, weather wears things down, and new threats emerge. Stay ahead of the curve.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip 1: Use the Arlo app’s “Device Health” feature weekly. It checks battery, Wi-Fi, and tamper status. I caught a loose mount before it became a problem.

Pro Tip 2: Pair your Arlo with a secondary camera. If one gets stolen, the other covers the blind spot. I use an Arlo Essential indoors to watch the front door when the outdoor one is down.

Pro Tip 3: Register your camera’s serial number with Arlo. If it’s stolen, you can report it. While Arlo can’t track GPS, they can blacklist the device if it’s reactivated.

Now, let’s talk about what not to do.

• Don’t rely on adhesive mounts. They fail in heat, rain, or under stress. I’ve seen them peel off after a storm.
• Don’t hide the camera completely. If it’s invisible, it can’t record. Balance concealment with visibility.
• Don’t ignore Wi-Fi signal strength. A weak signal can cause delays or disconnections. Use an Arlo SmartHub to boost range.
• Don’t skip firmware updates. They fix security flaws. I update mine every time a new version drops.
• Don’t assume “out of sight” is “safe.” Thieves know to check under eaves and behind gutters.

One mistake I made early on: I used a cheap plastic mount on brick. It cracked in winter. Now I only use metal mounts with masonry anchors.

And remember: how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026 isn’t about one magic solution. It’s about combining multiple layers—physical, digital, and psychological—to create real protection.

FAQs About How to Keep Arlo Camera from Being Stolen in 2026

Q: Can I track my Arlo if it’s stolen?

Unfortunately, no. Arlo cameras don’t have GPS tracking. But you can report the serial number to Arlo support. If the thief tries to set it up on another account, Arlo may flag it. Also, check local police—sometimes stolen smart devices show up on online marketplaces.

Q: Are Arlo mounts secure enough on their own?

Not really. The stock mounts are convenient but easy to remove. I always upgrade to tamper-resistant screws and add a cable lock. The mount is just the starting point.

Q: Will a decoy camera really help?

Absolutely. I’ve seen it work multiple times. Thieves are lazy. They’ll grab the obvious target—even if it’s fake—rather than risk getting caught going for the real one. It’s a simple psychological trick.

Q: Can I install a cable lock on any Arlo model?

Most Arlo cameras have a built-in security slot (usually on the back or side). Check your model’s specs. If it doesn’t have one, use a third-party mount with an anchor point. The Arlo Pro Mount and similar models work great.

Q: Does Arlo offer any built-in theft protection?

Not directly, but they have tamper alerts. If someone touches the camera or it goes offline, you’ll get a notification. You can also enable “Camera Disconnected” alerts in the app. Pair this with a siren or light for real-time response.

Q: Is it worth using a smart floodlight with my Arlo?

100% yes. I’ve had fewer incidents since adding one. The light alone deters most people. When combined with motion alerts, it creates a powerful deterrent. Look for models with IFTTT or SmartThings integration.

Q: What’s the best height to mount an Arlo for theft prevention?

8–10 feet is ideal. High enough to be out of easy reach, low enough to capture clear footage. If you go higher, use a zoom lens or a camera with 2K/4K resolution to maintain clarity.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Arlo camera safe in 2026 isn’t about fear—it’s about smart preparation. I’ve been through the panic of a stolen camera, and I’ve also seen how a few simple upgrades can make all the difference.

You don’t need to spend hundreds. Start with the basics: tamper screws, a cable lock, and a good location. Then add layers—lights, alerts, decoys, and regular checks.

Remember, thieves want easy wins. When they see a high-mounted camera, secured with a steel cable, under a floodlight, and surrounded by alerts, they’ll think twice. And if they still try? You’ll catch them on video—and they’ll regret it.

So take action today. Check your mounts. Test your alerts. Add that cable. Because the best way to keep your Arlo safe isn’t just about how to keep Arlo camera from being stolen in 2026—it’s about feeling secure every day.

And hey, if you’ve got a creative security hack, I’d love to hear it. Share it with a friend, post it online, or just sleep a little easier knowing your home is truly protected.

You’ve got this.

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