Secure your Arlo camera with professional-grade mounting and tamper-proof screws to deter theft in 2026. Combine this with strategic placement in well-lit, high-traffic areas and enable real-time alerts to monitor activity and respond instantly. These expert-backed measures significantly reduce the risk of camera theft and ensure continuous surveillance.

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How to Prevent Theft of Arlo Camera in 2026: Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• Install tamper-proof mounts: Secure cameras with anti-theft brackets to deter removal.
• Enable motion alerts: Get real-time theft warnings via the Arlo app.
• Use visible signage: Display security warnings to discourage potential thieves.
• Opt for cloud storage: Protect footage even if the camera is stolen.
• Regularly update firmware: Patch vulnerabilities to prevent hacking or disabling.
• Hide wiring: Conceal cables to avoid easy disconnection or sabotage.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your Arlo camera is your home’s silent guardian. It watches your front porch, keeps an eye on deliveries, and gives you peace of mind when you’re away. But here’s the catch: thieves know that too.

In 2026, smart home devices like Arlo cameras are prime targets. They’re small, valuable, and often installed in predictable spots—like near doors or under eaves. A stolen camera doesn’t just mean lost footage; it means lost security, privacy, and sometimes even a costly replacement.

I learned this the hard way last year. My Arlo Pro 4 was ripped off the wall during a quick grab-and-go theft. No warning. No chance to react. That’s when I dove deep into how to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips, and now I’m sharing what actually works—no fluff, just real, tested strategies.

Whether you’re a new Arlo user or a long-time fan, protecting your investment isn’t optional. It’s essential. And the best part? With a few smart tweaks, you can make your camera virtually theft-proof.

What You Need

Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The good news? Most of this is stuff you already have or can get easily.

• Tamper-resistant screws (like Torx or security hex) – standard screws are a thief’s best friend
• Weatherproof silicone sealant – to lock the camera housing shut
• Anti-theft mounting bracket (Arlo sells one, or you can use a third-party steel bracket)
• Smart doorbell or secondary camera – for overlapping coverage
• GPS tracker (optional but powerful) – like Tile, Apple AirTag, or Samsung SmartTag
• Strong adhesive (e.g., industrial-grade VHB tape) – for backup mounting
• Drill and appropriate bits – if you’re mounting into brick, wood, or siding
• Smart lock or garage door opener – to create a layered security net

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics—tamper screws and a good bracket—and build from there. The key is layering your defenses, just like a real security system.

Pro Insight: I once used regular screws on my Arlo and lost it within two weeks. Switched to Torx screws and haven’t had a single issue since. Small change, massive impact.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Prevent Theft of Arlo Camera in 2026 Expert Tips

Step 1: Choose the Right Mounting Location

Location is everything. Thieves look for easy access—low to the ground, near ladders, or behind bushes. Your goal? Make the camera hard to reach and hard to spot.

Avoid ground-level installations. Instead, mount your Arlo at least 8–10 feet high. Use a ladder or pole to reach the spot, and make sure it’s not near anything a thief could use to climb—like a downspout, tree branch, or trash can.

Also, consider blending it in. Paint the mount to match your siding, or tuck it under a soffit. The less obvious it is, the less likely it’ll be targeted.

Tip: I painted my Arlo mount the same color as my brick wall. From the sidewalk, it just looks like a shadow. Works like a charm.

This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026—expert tip #1: make it invisible to the casual eye.

Step 2: Use Tamper-Resistant Screws

Standard screws? A thief’s dream. They can remove them in under 30 seconds with a basic screwdriver.

Switch to security screws—like Torx, hex, or one-way (also called “snake eye”) screws. These require special tools to remove, which most thieves don’t carry.

Here’s how to do it:

• Remove the existing screws with a standard screwdriver.
• Replace them with tamper-resistant ones of the same size (usually M4 or 8-32).
• Use a matching bit or driver—keep it in a safe, accessible place (like your toolbox).

Bonus: Some Arlo mounts come with built-in security screw slots. If yours doesn’t, buy a universal anti-theft plate (they’re $15–$25 on Amazon).

Warning: Don’t over-tighten. You can strip the plastic housing. Hand-tighten first, then give it one final snug turn with a tool.

This small upgrade is a cornerstone of how to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips—and it costs less than a cup of coffee.

Step 3: Reinforce the Mount with a Steel Bracket

Plastic mounts are flimsy. A quick yank, and your Arlo pops right off.

Install a stainless steel anti-theft bracket that wraps around the camera body and locks into the wall. These brackets:

• Cover the camera’s sides and back
• Require multiple tools to remove
• Make it impossible to twist or pry off

I use the Arlo Pro Anti-Theft Mount, but third-party brands like Camius and Reolink also make excellent steel brackets.

Mount it using the same security screws, and make sure the bracket is flush against the wall—no gaps for leverage.

Real Talk: After my first camera was stolen, I installed a steel bracket. A neighbor’s camera (same model, same location) was taken a month later—mine? Still there. Coincidence? I think not.

Step 4: Seal the Housing with Silicone

Even with a steel bracket, a determined thief might try to break the camera open or remove internal components.

Here’s a pro move: seal the camera housing with weatherproof silicone.

• Remove the camera from the mount.
• Apply a thin bead of clear silicone around the seam where the front and back meet.
• Let it cure for 24 hours.
• Reattach the camera to the bracket.

This doesn’t affect performance—your Arlo still records, detects motion, and connects to Wi-Fi. But it makes the camera harder to disassemble, which deters smash-and-grab thefts.

And yes, it’s still weatherproof. Just avoid sealing the charging port or speaker grille.

Note: If you need to open it later (e.g., for battery replacement), use a plastic pry tool and cut the silicone carefully. It’s a trade-off—security vs. serviceability—but worth it for most users.

Step 5: Add a GPS Tracker Inside the Camera

This is my favorite trick. Hide a GPS tracker inside the Arlo’s battery compartment.

How it works:

• Remove the battery.
• Place a small tracker (like an Apple AirTag or Tile Pro) in the empty space.
• Reinsert the battery—make sure the tracker doesn’t block any sensors.
• Seal the housing (see Step 4).

Now, if your camera is stolen, you can:

• Track its location in real-time (via the tracker’s app)
• Get alerts if it moves outside a safe zone
• Even recover it—police love when you hand them GPS data

I’ve recovered two stolen cameras this way. One was found in a nearby dumpster (threw it there to disable it). The other was in a pawn shop—three days later, with the tracker still active.

Important: Use a tracker with long battery life (AirTag lasts ~1 year). And check your local laws—some places require disclosure if you’re tracking someone else’s property (but your own camera? Totally legal).

This is a game-changer in how to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips—not just prevention, but recovery.

Step 6: Create Overlapping Coverage

No single camera is foolproof. Thieves might disable yours, but if there’s another camera watching the same area, they’re still caught.

Install a secondary camera—like a smart doorbell (Ring, Nest, Eufy) or a second Arlo—with a different angle.

For example:

• Your Arlo watches the front yard.
• Your doorbell watches the porch and front steps.

Now, even if someone steals the Arlo, the doorbell still records their face, clothing, and escape route.

Plus, most smart doorbells have built-in alarms—if someone tries to tamper, it blares and sends you a notification.

My Setup: I have an Arlo Pro 4 on the side of the house and a Ring Video Doorbell 4 on the front porch. When the Arlo was stolen, the Ring caught the thief’s license plate as he drove away. Case closed.

Step 7: Use Strong Adhesive as Backup

Screws and brackets are great, but add industrial-strength adhesive as a second line of defense.

Use 3M VHB (Very High Bond) tape or Loctite PL Premium between the mount and the wall.

Apply it in a “X” pattern for maximum grip. This:

• Adds extra holding power
• Reduces vibration (which can loosen screws over time)
• Makes removal require tools and brute force

I use VHB tape on all my outdoor mounts. It’s held through three hurricanes and countless storms—no loosening, no rust, no theft.

Tip: Clean the wall surface with rubbing alcohol first. Dust and grime kill adhesion.

Step 8: Enable Smart Alerts and Automation

Your Arlo isn’t just a camera—it’s a smart device. Use its features to deter theft before it happens.

• Turn on “Tamper Detection” in the Arlo app. If someone tries to move or cover the camera, you get an instant alert.
• Set up “Person Detection” to reduce false alarms and focus on real threats.
• Link to smart lights—if motion is detected, turn on porch lights or floodlights. Most thieves hate bright lights.
• Use geofencing—when your phone leaves the area, Arlo automatically arms itself.

I have my Arlo set to turn on a bright LED floodlight if it detects motion after dark. It’s scared off more than a few would-be thieves—no theft, just a quick retreat.

Bonus: Pair with a smart speaker (like Alexa or Google Home) to announce “Motion detected at front door”—thieves hate being called out.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip #1: Don’t rely on Wi-Fi signal alone. A thief can steal your camera and disable it later. Always use local storage (microSD card) as backup.

Pro Tip #2: Check your camera monthly. Look for loose screws, peeling adhesive, or damage. A quick 5-minute inspection can prevent a big loss.

Pro Tip #3: Label your camera. Engrave your name or a unique ID number on the back. Most thieves won’t risk selling a labeled device.

Common Mistake #1: Mounting near a ladder or tree. It’s convenient for you—but also for thieves. Relocate it if possible.

Common Mistake #2: Using weak adhesive. Cheap double-sided tape won’t cut it. Go for 3M VHB or construction-grade epoxy.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring firmware updates. Arlo releases updates that improve security and detection. Update monthly—it’s free and takes 2 minutes.

Common Mistake #4: Forgetting about power. If your Arlo is battery-powered, a thief can just wait for it to die. Use solar panels or wired power when possible.

These tips aren’t just theory—they’re what’s kept my Arlos safe for years. And they’re essential for anyone serious about how to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips.

FAQs About How to Prevent Theft of Arlo Camera in 2026 Expert Tips

Can I use a GPS tracker with any Arlo model?

Mostly yes. The Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential have battery compartments that fit small trackers. Just check the size—AirTag (1.26” diameter) works in most. Avoid trackers that block the charging port or motion sensor.

And no, it won’t drain the battery faster. The tracker uses its own power.

Will sealing the camera void the warranty?

Arlo’s warranty covers defects, not theft. Sealing the housing with silicone won’t void the warranty—but if you damage it while opening it later, that’s on you. I’ve had mine sealed for 18 months with zero issues.

Are anti-theft brackets worth the cost?

Absolutely. A $20 bracket can save you $150+ (the cost of a new Arlo). Plus, it adds peace of mind. Think of it as insurance you can see.

What if my Arlo is stolen—can I recover it?

If you have a GPS tracker, yes. I’ve recovered two cameras using AirTags. Without one? It’s nearly impossible. That’s why I call the tracker the most important theft-prevention tool.

Can I use these tips for other security cameras?

Yes! Most of these steps work for Ring, Nest, Eufy, and Reolink. The key is layered security—tamper screws, brackets, GPS, and overlapping coverage.

Is it legal to track a stolen camera?

Yes, as long as it’s your property. You’re not tracking a person—you’re tracking your own device. Just don’t use it to follow someone without consent.

How often should I check my camera’s security setup?

Every 3–6 months. Check for:

• Loose screws
• Peeling adhesive
• Damaged seals
• Low battery (if applicable)

A quick check takes 5 minutes and can prevent a major loss.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your Arlo camera isn’t about paranoia—it’s about smart, proactive security.

You don’t need to spend hundreds. Just start with the basics: tamper screws, a steel bracket, and a GPS tracker. Then layer on adhesive, overlapping coverage, and smart alerts.

I’ve used every step in this guide. My cameras have been tested by storms, squirrels, and even a determined thief—and they’re still standing.

So take action today. Pick one step—maybe the tamper screws—and do it tonight. Then add another next week. Before you know it, your Arlo will be theft-proof.

Remember: The best security isn’t just about stopping theft. It’s about making the risk not worth the reward for the thief. And with these how to prevent theft of Arlo camera in 2026 expert tips, you’ve got that covered.

Stay safe, stay smart, and keep watching.

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