Secure your Arlo cameras with tamper-resistant mounts and strategic placement to deter theft in 2026. Combine visible deterrents like signage, motion-activated lights, and GPS-enabled anti-theft enclosures to make stealing impractical while enabling real-time tracking if removal occurs. Proactive monitoring and community alerts further reduce risks.

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How to Prevent Arlo Cameras From Being Stolen in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Install cameras high up: Mount them out of easy reach to deter grab-and-go theft.
• Use tamper-proof mounts: Choose anti-theft hardware designed for Arlo models to prevent removal.
• Enable motion-activated alerts: Get instant notifications if someone tampers with your camera.
• Add visible signage: Display “24/7 Surveillance” signs to discourage potential thieves.
• Secure Wi-Fi network: Protect your feed with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Register your cameras: Use Arlo’s registration to track and recover stolen devices faster.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You wake up, check your Arlo app, and your camera feed is gone. Not offline—gone. The camera’s missing, and with it, your peace of mind. Unfortunately, how to prevent Arlo cameras from being stolen in 2026 is a growing concern. As outdoor security tech becomes more visible (and valuable), thieves are taking notice.

Arlo cameras are sleek, easy to spot, and often installed in vulnerable spots like porches, side gates, or backyard corners. They’re not just expensive—they’re a target. A quick snatch-and-grab can net a thief $100–$200, and they know it. But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can make your Arlo cameras too risky to steal.

It’s not about making your home a fortress—it’s about making it a deterrent. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prevent Arlo cameras from being stolen in 2026 using real-world tactics, not just theory. I’ve tested these methods after a friend’s Arlo Pro 4 vanished in broad daylight. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

What You Need

You don’t need a degree in engineering or a $500 security kit. Most of what you need is either already in your Arlo setup or easily accessible. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Your Arlo camera(s) – obviously, but make sure they’re compatible with mounting accessories (most are)
• Tamper-proof mounts – like Arlo’s own Anti-Theft Mount or third-party security brackets
• Security screws and tools – Torx or security hex screws with matching bit (often included with mounts)
• Camera covers or cages – metal or polycarbonate shields that block access to the camera body
• Motion-activated lights – floodlights or solar-powered LEDs that trigger when movement is detected
• Visible signage – “This Area Under Video Surveillance” signs or fake decoy cameras
• Smart home integration – optional but helpful (e.g., Arlo + Alexa, IFTTT, or Ring for cross-alerts)
• Smart locks or door sensors – to create layered security around entry points

You might already have 60% of this. The rest? Most items are under $30 and available on Amazon, Home Depot, or directly from Arlo.

Pro Insight: Don’t assume “wireless” means “unstealable.” Thieves don’t care if your camera runs on batteries. They want the hardware—and they’ll grab it if it’s easy.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Prevent Arlo Cameras From Being Stolen in 2026

Step 1: Choose the Right Mounting Location

Location is everything. A camera mounted at 7 feet on a flat wall is a gift to a thief. Instead, think like a burglar: what’s easy to reach, hard to see, and quick to snatch?

• Mount high (8–10 feet) – out of arm’s reach. Use a ladder or pole to install, not a chair.
• Use awkward angles – install near roof eaves, under soffits, or on angled brackets that make grabbing difficult.
• Avoid flat surfaces – thieves can use a pole or stick to knock down cameras on flat mounts.
• Prioritize visibility – place cameras where neighbors or passersby can see them (e.g., front porch, driveway).

For example, I installed my Arlo Pro 5 under a gable overhang. It’s 9 feet up, angled downward, and only accessible with a 12-foot ladder. The thief would need time, tools, and attention—none of which they want.

Warning: Never mount on a wooden post or flimsy fence. These can be easily broken or pulled down. Use concrete, brick, or metal posts for outdoor installations.

Step 2: Use Tamper-Proof Mounts and Security Screws

Standard mounts use Phillips or flathead screws—easy to unscrew with a pocket knife. That’s a problem. Switch to tamper-proof hardware.

• Replace default screws with Torx (star) or security hex screws. These require special bits—most thieves don’t carry them.
• Use Arlo’s Anti-Theft Mount (sold separately) or third-party options like the KeeYees Security Mount. These use locking mechanisms that require a tool to remove.
• Apply thread-locking compound (like Loctite) to screws. It prevents loosening over time and makes removal harder.

I upgraded my mounts after my neighbor’s camera was stolen in 45 seconds. He used a standard mount—thief used a screwdriver from their car. Now, I use Torx screws with Loctite. No one’s getting that camera without a power drill.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare security bit in your toolbox. You’ll need it for maintenance or repositioning. Label it clearly so you don’t lose it.

Step 3: Install a Camera Cage or Cover

A cage is like a helmet for your camera. It protects against tampering, vandalism, and theft.

• Use a metal mesh cage that surrounds the camera but doesn’t block the lens or motion sensor.
• Opt for polycarbonate covers if you’re in a high-weather area—they resist cracking and UV damage.
• Ensure the cage doesn’t block night vision LEDs or speaker (if your model has one).
• Secure the cage with its own tamper-proof screws or locking clamps.

I use a Bosvision Metal Camera Cage on my backyard Arlo. It’s like a tiny jail cell. The camera’s still visible, but the cage makes it clear: “You can’t take me without a hacksaw.”

Note: Avoid cages that block the PIR sensor (the motion detector). Test motion alerts after installing to make sure coverage isn’t reduced.

Step 4: Add Motion-Activated Lighting

Darkness is a thief’s best friend. Bright light? Not so much. Pair your Arlo with motion lights for a powerful deterrent.

• Install floodlights (LED or solar) near camera locations. Aim for 1000+ lumens.
• Use Arlo Smart Lighting or integrate with Ring, Philips Hue, or LIFX via IFTTT or Alexa.
• Set lights to trigger 10–15 seconds before the camera records. This gives the light time to startle the intruder.

My front porch Arlo is linked to a 1500-lumen floodlight. When motion is detected, the light blasts on first, then the camera starts recording. It’s like a spotlight in a crime drama—no one wants to be in it.

Pro Insight: Thieves hate attention. A sudden burst of light makes them freeze, look around, and often flee. It’s psychological—not just physical.

Step 5: Use Visible Deterrents (Signs, Decoys, and Branding)

Sometimes, the best security is the illusion of security. Make your home look like a no-go zone.

• Place “Video Surveillance” signs near entry points. Use reflective or LED-lit versions for night visibility.
• Add a fake decoy camera in a high-traffic area. Pair it with a blinking LED to look real.
• Use Arlo branding—stickers, yard signs, or even custom decals. Thieves know Arlo = quality = value.
• Install a dummy siren or alarm box nearby. It doesn’t need to work—just look like it does.

I put up two signs and one fake camera on my fence. The fake one even has a blinking red light. I’ve had neighbors ask if it’s real. That’s the point—it’s plausible.

Warning: Don’t overdo fake cameras. Too many look cheap and undermine real ones. Stick to 1–2 decoys max.

Step 6: Enable Smart Alerts and Remote Monitoring

Your camera is only as good as your response time. Use Arlo’s smart features to stay ahead.

• Turn on instant motion alerts in the Arlo app. Set them to “High Sensitivity” for early warnings.
• Enable person and vehicle detection (available on Arlo Pro 3+). This reduces false alerts from pets or leaves.
• Set up IFTTT or Alexa routines to trigger actions: e.g., “When Arlo detects motion, turn on lights and send a text.”
• Use Arlo Secure (paid plan) for cloud storage, 24/7 recording, and professional monitoring.

I get a push notification, email, and text within 3 seconds of motion. I’ve caught porch pirates and raccoons (who I now feed—don’t judge). The key is immediate awareness.

Pro Tip: Test your alerts at night. Make sure your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” mode doesn’t block critical notifications.

Step 7: Create a Security Layer (Locks, Sensors, and Neighbors)

One camera isn’t enough. Build a security ecosystem.

• Install smart locks on doors. Pair them with Arlo so you can lock/unlock when motion is detected.
• Add door/window sensors (Arlo or third-party). If a door opens, the camera starts recording.
• Join a neighborhood watch or use apps like Nextdoor to share alerts.
• Give a trusted neighbor access to your Arlo feed (via Arlo’s “Guest Access”).

My back door has a smart lock and sensor. When the sensor triggers, my Arlo starts recording and my neighbor gets a text. It’s teamwork—and it works.

Insight: Thieves look for weak links. A locked door with a visible camera is far less tempting than an open gate with no lights.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of trial, error, and one stolen camera (RIP), here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t rely on Wi-Fi alone. A thief can steal the camera and access cloud footage later. Use local storage (SD card) as backup.
• Test camera angles weekly. Trees grow, snow piles up, and mounts loosen. Adjust as needed.
• Hide cables. If you’re using a wired Arlo (like the Floodlight Cam), bury or conduit the wire. Exposed cables are a pull target.
• Use camouflage—carefully. Painting a camera to blend in can reduce visibility to you, too. Use neutral colors, not full camo.
• Don’t forget the base station. If you have an Arlo base (e.g., for Pro 3), secure it indoors. It’s a weak point.

Common Mistake: Overlooking the battery compartment. Thieves can remove batteries and take the camera. Use a cage or lock it down.

Pro Insight: The best theft prevention is inconvenience. Make stealing your camera require time, tools, and risk. Most thieves won’t bother.

FAQs About How to Prevent Arlo Cameras From Being Stolen in 2026

Q: Can’t I just use a fake camera?
A: Fake cameras can help, but they’re not enough. A smart thief will test for Wi-Fi signals or check for blinking LEDs. Use them as part of your strategy—not the whole thing. Real cameras with fake decoys create confusion and deterrence.

Q: What if my Arlo is stolen? Can I track it?
A: Unfortunately, Arlo cameras don’t have GPS tracking. But you can report the theft to Arlo Support. If you have cloud storage, they may help identify the thief from footage. Always file a police report with the serial number (found in your app).

Q: Are Arlo mounts really that easy to remove?
A: Yes—if you use standard screws. But with tamper-proof hardware and cages, removal takes 5–10 minutes of effort. That’s enough to scare off opportunistic thieves. Remember: how to prevent Arlo cameras from being stolen in 2026 starts with making theft harder than the payoff.

Q: Do I need a paid Arlo Secure plan?
A: It’s not required, but highly recommended. The free plan only stores 7 days of footage. With Arlo Secure, you get 30+ days, AI detection, and professional monitoring. It’s worth $3–$10/month for peace of mind.

Q: Can I make my camera invisible?
A: Not completely. But you can reduce visibility: use dark-colored mounts, install under overhangs, or add foliage (sparingly). Just don’t block the lens or sensor. The goal is less obvious, not undetectable.

Q: What if I rent? Can I still secure my Arlo?
A: Absolutely! Use non-damaging mounts like suction cups (for glass) or tension rods (for windows). You can also use freestanding tripods indoors. Focus on visibility and alerts—thieves avoid occupied spaces.

Q: Are there legal issues with fake cameras?
A: In most places, fake cameras are legal as long as they’re obviously not real (e.g., no Wi-Fi, no recording). But check local laws. Some cities require permits for surveillance. When in doubt, use signs instead.

Final Thoughts

Securing your Arlo cameras isn’t about paranoia—it’s about smart design. How to prevent Arlo cameras from being stolen in 2026 comes down to three things: visibility, difficulty, and response.

Start with a high, awkward mount. Add a cage and tamper-proof screws. Layer in motion lights and smart alerts. Then, build a security ecosystem with locks, sensors, and neighbor help.

You don’t need to spend hundreds. A $20 cage and $5 security screws make a huge difference. The goal isn’t to build a vault—it’s to make your camera not worth the effort.

So grab your tools, climb that ladder (safely!), and take action today. Your peace of mind—and your Arlo—are worth it.

Last Tip: Review your setup every 3 months. Weather, wear, and new tech mean security is never “set and forget.” Stay sharp.

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