Secure your Arlo Pro 2 camera with tamper-resistant mounts and strategic placement to deter thieves in 2026. Combine visible signage, motion-activated alerts, and regular check-ins via the Arlo app to monitor activity and respond instantly to suspicious behavior. These proactive steps significantly reduce theft risk while maximizing your system’s reliability.

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How to Prevent Theft of Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Mount cameras high: Deter thieves with hard-to-reach, elevated placements.
• Use anti-theft screws: Secure mounts with tamper-resistant hardware.
• Enable motion alerts: Get real-time theft detection on your device.
• Pair with alarms: Trigger loud sounds to scare off intruders.
• Register your camera: Aid recovery by documenting ownership details.
• Hide power sources: Prevent disabling by concealing wires and outlets.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—security cameras are meant to protect your home, not become targets themselves. I learned this the hard way last summer when a neighbor’s Arlo Pro 2 was snatched right off their porch. It wasn’t just about losing $200 in gear; it was the violation of knowing someone walked up, took it, and walked away—on camera, ironically.

If you own an Arlo Pro 2, you’re not just investing in surveillance—you’re trusting it to deter crime. But in 2026, with rising porch piracy and tech theft, your camera is a high-value target. The good news? How to prevent theft of your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 isn’t about buying the most expensive lock—it’s about smart, layered protection.

Whether you’ve had a close call or just want to be proactive, this guide walks you through real-world strategies that actually work. No fluff, no fear-mongering—just practical steps based on what’s happening right now in neighborhoods like yours.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s get your toolkit ready. You don’t need to spend a fortune—most of these items are already in your garage or can be found at any hardware store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tamper-resistant screws (or security screws with a unique drive pattern like Torx or Tri-Wing)
• Security mount or locking bracket (Arlo’s own or third-party like Reolink or Wyze)
• Weatherproof cable lock or bike lock (e.g., Kryptonite or Master Lock)
• Concealment tools (camouflage tape, paint, or a custom camera housing)
• Motion sensor floodlight (wired or solar-powered)
• Smart doorbell camera (optional but highly recommended)
• Arlo app with cloud or local storage enabled
• Drill and drill bits (if mounting on masonry or wood)

Pro tip: Skip the cheap plastic mounts. The Arlo Pro 2 is sleek, but its standard mount is easy to twist off with bare hands. You’re better off with a metal bracket that screws into a stud or masonry anchor.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Prevent Theft of Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Step 1: Upgrade Your Mount to a Tamper-Resistant Design

The first thing thieves notice? How easy it is to remove the camera. The stock Arlo Pro 2 mount is a quick-twist design—great for cleaning, bad for security.

Switch to a security mount that uses tamper-resistant screws. I use the Arlo Pro 2 Security Mount (sold separately), which replaces the quick-release with a solid bracket and requires a special driver to open.

• Unscrew the existing mount using the Arlo tool (or a small flathead).
• Attach the security mount with security screws (I prefer Torx T20 with anti-removal washers).
• Use a drill to secure it into wood, stucco, or brick—never just into drywall.

Warning: If you’re mounting on vinyl siding, use a backer board or metal plate behind the mount. Thieves often pry from the bottom, and flimsy siding gives way fast.

This single change makes how to prevent theft of your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 much more effective. Thieves move on when they can’t remove it in 10 seconds.

Step 2: Anchor the Camera with a Physical Lock

Even with a secure mount, a determined thief might try to break it off. That’s where a cable lock comes in.

I use a Kryptonite 1216 cable lock—the same kind cyclists use for bikes. Wrap it through the mount and around a fixed structure like a railing, post, or gutter.

• Thread the cable through the mount’s anchor point (many security mounts have a built-in loop).
• Loop it around a sturdy object and lock it.
• Cut the excess cable so it’s not tempting to cut.

Yes, it looks a little bulky. But in my neighborhood, I’ve seen three cameras stolen in the past year—none of them had locks. The ones with cable ties? Still there.

For a cleaner look, try a steel locking arm (like the Camlock Arlo Pro 2 Lock), which clamps around the mount and requires a key to release.

Pro Tip: Don’t lock it to something that can be easily removed—like a loose fence post. Anchor to something permanent: a concrete foundation, steel beam, or brick wall.

Step 3: Conceal or Camouflage the Camera

Out of sight, out of mind. Thieves often scan porches from the sidewalk, looking for shiny, obvious cameras.

You can disguise your Arlo Pro 2 without sacrificing function. I painted mine with camouflage spray paint (matte black and dark green) to blend into the eaves. It still records in full HD—just doesn’t scream “$200 tech here.”

• Use non-reflective paint (avoid gloss).
• Paint only the body, not the lens or IR sensors.
• For a more permanent fix, buy a custom housing (some 3D-printable designs on Etsy look like birdhouses or utility boxes).

Another trick? Mount it higher and angled downward. Not only does this improve coverage, but it makes the camera less visible from the street. Pair it with a decoy camera (a fake one at eye level) to distract attention.

Caution: Don’t block the lens or sensors. Test night vision and motion detection after painting or housing.

Step 4: Add a Deterrent: Lights and Noise

Thieves hate being seen. A well-lit area cuts theft risk by up to 50%, according to crime studies.

Install a motion-activated floodlight within 10 feet of your Arlo Pro 2. I use a Ring Smart Floodlight that turns on at 80% brightness when motion is detected—bright enough to scare someone off, not so bright it annoys neighbors.

• Sync the light with your Arlo system (if compatible) so both trigger at the same time.
• Use delayed lighting (3–5 seconds after motion) to avoid false alarms from cats or wind.
• Add a loud siren (optional): Some smart lights include a 100+ dB alarm. I don’t use one—my dog barks enough.

Bonus: Pair with a smart doorbell (like Arlo Video Doorbell). If someone lingers near your camera, you get a dual alert. Last month, I caught a guy casing my porch—he left when the doorbell rang.

This step is crucial in how to prevent theft of your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026—because deterrence beats recovery.

Step 5: Secure Your Data and Enable Theft Protection Features

Even if they steal the camera, you can still win. The Arlo Pro 2 stores footage in the cloud (if you have a subscription) and can be tracked remotely.

• Enable 24/7 recording or at least motion-triggered clips.
• Turn on theft alerts in the Arlo app (Settings > Camera > Theft Protection).
• Set up push notifications for motion, disconnection, or low battery.
• Use Arlo Secure (subscription) for AI person detection and 30-day cloud storage.

Here’s the kicker: If your camera is stolen, report it to Arlo Support immediately. They can flag the device’s serial number. If it’s ever re-registered, they’ll notify you (and possibly the police).

I once helped a friend recover a stolen Arlo after it was found in a pawn shop—Arlo’s system flagged the activation attempt.

Pro Tip: Take a photo of your camera’s serial number (on the bottom) and store it with your purchase receipt. This speeds up recovery.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust Based on Real Threats

Security isn’t a one-and-done deal. In 2026, theft tactics evolve—your setup should too.

• Review footage weekly. Look for patterns: Is someone testing your camera’s blind spot?
• Adjust motion sensitivity if you get too many false alarms (which can make you ignore real threats).
• Check the mount and lock monthly for signs of tampering (scratches, loose screws).
• Upgrade if new tech emerges—like GPS-enabled locks (coming in 2026) that track stolen devices.

I once noticed a shadowy figure walking past my house every night at 2 a.m. I repositioned the camera, added a light, and the visits stopped. That’s how to prevent theft of your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026—by staying one step ahead.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of testing and learning from mistakes (and my neighbors’), here’s what really works—and what doesn’t.

Pro Tip #1: Don’t Rely on the “It’s Hidden” Myth
Just because it’s in the eaves doesn’t mean it’s safe. Thieves use drones and ladders. Always assume it’s visible.

Pro Tip #2: Use Multiple Deterrents
One lock isn’t enough. Combine physical, visual, and digital layers. Think: lock + light + cloud backup + neighbor alert.

Pro Tip #3: Involve Your Neighbors
Start a neighborhood watch group on WhatsApp or Nextdoor. Share footage (with privacy in mind) and keep each other updated.

Common Mistake #1: Using Standard Screws
Phillips-head screws are easy to remove with a $5 screwdriver. Always use security screws.

Common Mistake #2: Overlooking the Base
Thieves often kick the base to dislodge it. Reinforce with a metal base plate or concrete anchor.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring the Power Source
The Arlo Pro 2 is battery-powered, but if you use the solar panel or wired power, make sure the cable is secured. A cut wire means no camera.

Common Mistake #4: Setting and Forgetting
Check your camera monthly. Batteries die, mounts loosen, and apps update. Stay engaged.

Pro Tip #4: Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Buy a dummy camera (like the Defiant Dummy Security Camera) and place it near the real one. Thieves often take the easier target.

Real Talk: I once used a fake camera as a decoy while my real Arlo Pro 2 was hidden in a birdhouse. The thief took the dummy and left the real one untouched. It’s not foolproof—but it works more than you’d think.

FAQs About How to Prevent Theft of Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Q: Can I use a regular bike lock for my Arlo Pro 2?
A: Yes! A 12mm steel cable lock works great. Just make sure it’s long enough to loop around a fixed object. I use a Kryptonite 1216—it’s weatherproof and cut-resistant.

Q: Will painting the camera ruin its night vision?
A: Only if you paint the IR sensors (the small dots around the lens). Use matte, non-metallic paint and avoid covering the front face. I’ve painted three cameras—no issues.

Q: What if I rent and can’t drill into the wall?
A: Use a freestanding mount (like a camera tripod with a weighted base) or a window mount with a cable lock. Or, talk to your landlord—many allow security upgrades.

Q: Can thieves disable the camera before stealing it?
A: If they cut the power or block the lens, yes. But if you use a solar panel with a battery and hide the cable, it’s harder. Also, the Arlo Pro 2 sends a disconnection alert—so you’ll know.

Q: Is cloud storage worth it for theft protection?
A: Absolutely. If the camera is stolen, cloud footage is safe. Without it, you lose everything. A 30-day plan (~$3/month) is a small price for peace of mind.

Q: How often should I check my camera setup?
A: Monthly for physical checks (tight screws, clean lens), and weekly for app alerts and footage review. Think of it like changing smoke detector batteries.

Q: What’s the best place to mount an Arlo Pro 2 to avoid theft?
A: High up (8–10 feet), angled down, near a light, and anchored to a solid surface. Avoid ground-level or corner spots—they’re easier to access.

Final Thoughts

Preventing theft of your Arlo Pro 2 in 2026 isn’t about making it impossible to steal—it’s about making it not worth the effort. Thieves want quick wins. When they see a locked, lit, and camouflaged camera, they move on.

Start with the basics: a security mount, cable lock, and motion light. Then layer in smart features like cloud storage and neighbor alerts. And remember—how to prevent theft of your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.

You don’t need to spend hundreds. You just need to be smarter than the average thief. And honestly? That’s not hard.

So go ahead—tighten those screws, set up that light, and sleep a little easier tonight. Your home deserves it.

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