Mount your Arlo camera out of reach using high, strategic placement and tamper-resistant hardware to deter theft. Combine this with visible signage, motion-activated alerts, and integration with a monitored security system to significantly reduce the risk of tampering or removal. Proactive measures like these ensure your surveillance stays secure and functional.

How to Secure Arlo Camera from Being Stolen Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• Mount cameras high: Install Arlo cameras out of easy reach to deter theft.
• Use anti-theft mounts: Secure cameras with tamper-resistant brackets and locks.
• Enable motion alerts: Get instant notifications to monitor suspicious activity.
• Hide cables and wires: Conceal power and Ethernet cords to reduce tampering risks.
• Register your device: Add Arlo cameras to your account for tracking and recovery.
• Install signage: Display warning signs to discourage potential thieves.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’ve invested in an Arlo camera system to keep your home safe. You check your app one morning and notice something’s off—your camera’s missing. Not just offline, but physically gone.

This isn’t just a hypothetical. Arlo cameras, especially the wireless, outdoor models, are prime targets for theft. They’re sleek, valuable, and often installed in accessible spots. And once stolen, they can be resold, reset, or even used to spy on you if they fall into the wrong hands.

That’s why learning how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. The good news? With a few smart, low-effort strategies, you can drastically reduce the risk.

Whether you’ve got Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or the basic Arlo Essential, the principles are the same: deter, delay, and detect. You want to make your camera a hassle to steal, not a quick score.

Personal insight: I once had a neighbor’s Arlo camera stolen in broad daylight. The thief simply unscrewed it and walked off. The camera was never recovered, and the family felt violated—not just by the theft, but by the sense that their security system had failed them. That’s when I started researching real-world, practical ways to secure these devices.

What You Need

You don’t need a full security overhaul or a toolkit the size of a mechanic’s garage. Most of these solutions are affordable and easy to set up. Here’s what you’ll likely need to implement how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips effectively:

• Security mounts: Tamper-resistant or anti-theft mounts (e.g., Arlo’s official anti-theft mount, third-party locking brackets).
• Cable locks or security tethers: Steel braided cables (like those used for bikes) or dedicated camera tethers.
• Weatherproof enclosures or cages: Metal or polycarbonate enclosures that shield the camera and make removal harder.
• Drill and screws: For mounting into solid surfaces like brick, stucco, or wood.
• Tamper-proof screws: Torx, hex, or security screws that require special tools.
• Motion sensor floodlights: To deter nighttime tampering (bonus: they also help with camera footage).
• Smart doorbell or secondary camera: To monitor the area around your Arlo camera.
• GPS tracker (optional): Small, waterproof trackers like Tile or Apple AirTag (hidden inside or near the mount).
• Smart home integration tools: Like IFTTT or Home Assistant, for automated alerts.

Most of these items cost under $50, and many are reusable across multiple cameras. The key is layering—don’t rely on just one method.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Secure Arlo Camera from Being Stolen Expert Tips

Step 1: Choose the Right Location (Out of Reach, But Still Effective)

Where you install your Arlo camera is the first line of defense. A camera placed near a window or low on a fence is an open invitation to thieves.

• Install at 8–10 feet high—out of easy reach but still able to capture faces and license plates.
• Use overhangs, soffits, or eaves to your advantage. These spots are harder to access and often shaded, reducing glare.
• Avoid ground-level installations unless you’re using a locked enclosure (more on that later).
• Ensure the camera still has a clear view of entry points (doors, driveways, side gates).

Pro tip: Test the view before finalizing the mount. Use the Arlo app’s live view to adjust angle and zoom.

Warning: Don’t sacrifice coverage for security. A camera that’s too high might miss facial details. Aim for a balance—high enough to deter, low enough to capture.

Step 2: Use Tamper-Resistant Mounts and Hardware

The stock Arlo mount is convenient, but it’s also easy to unscrew. Upgrade to a tamper-proof mount—this single change makes a huge difference.

• Use Arlo’s official anti-theft mount (sold separately). It locks the camera in place with a security screw.
• Or, go third-party: brands like Mount Genie and Wasserstein offer locking brackets with Torx screws.
• Replace standard screws with security screws (Torx, hex, or one-way screws). Thieves rarely carry the tools to remove them.
• If drilling into brick or stucco, use anchors rated for outdoor use (like Tapcon screws).

Installation tip: Pre-drill holes and use a level to ensure the mount is straight. A crooked camera looks unprofessional and can affect motion detection.

This step is foundational to how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips—because if they can’t remove it quickly, they’ll likely move on.

Step 3: Add a Security Tether or Cable Lock

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

• Use a braided steel cable (1/8” thick or more) looped through the camera’s mounting hole and anchored to the wall.
• Secure the other end with a padlock or cable lock (like a bike lock).
• Hide the cable behind the camera or paint it to match the wall—stealth helps.
• For extra security, loop the cable around a structural beam or pipe.

I once used a 10-foot bike lock cable on my backyard Arlo. It looked a bit industrial, but after a storm knocked the camera slightly loose, the tether kept it from falling—and from being stolen during a break-in attempt.

Pro tip: Don’t attach the tether directly to the camera’s housing. Use the mount’s built-in anchor point or drill a small hole in the mount base (away from electronics).

Step 4: Install a Protective Enclosure or Cage

A metal cage or polycarbonate dome acts like a “jail cell” for your camera—it protects against tampering and weather, and makes removal nearly impossible without tools.

• Choose a weatherproof cage with a clear front panel (to avoid blocking the lens).
• Ensure it’s large enough to fit your Arlo model (check dimensions).
• Secure the cage to the wall with security screws, and lock the front panel with a small padlock.
• For added deterrence, paint the cage to blend in—camouflage reduces temptation.

Brands like Arlo and Defiant make enclosures specifically for security cameras. I use a Defiant metal cage on my front porch Arlo. It’s survived two years of rain, snow, and a curious raccoon—still looks new.

This step is a game-changer in how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips, especially in high-risk areas.

Step 5: Add Motion-Activated Lighting

Darkness is a thief’s best friend. Bright, sudden light is their worst enemy.

• Install a motion-activated floodlight near your Arlo camera.
• Position it to illuminate the camera’s location—this deters tampering and improves night footage.
• Use smart lights (like Philips Hue or LIFX) that sync with your Arlo system. When motion is detected, the light turns on automatically.
• Set a 1–2 minute delay so the light stays on during investigation.

My neighbor installed a $40 motion light next to their Arlo. Within a week, they caught a prowler on camera—he turned and ran the second the light came on.

Lighting doesn’t just deter theft; it makes your camera more effective.

Step 6: Set Up Secondary Surveillance

What if someone tries to steal your Arlo camera? You’ll want to catch them in the act—or at least have proof.

• Install a second camera (Arlo or another brand) to cover the blind spot around your main camera.
• Use a smart doorbell like Arlo Video Doorbell or Ring to monitor the front approach.
• Position this secondary device so it captures anyone approaching the main camera.
• Enable motion alerts and recording on both devices.

I use an Arlo Essential on my garage to watch the backyard camera. It’s a simple “camera watching a camera” setup, but it’s caught package thieves and curious kids.

Personal insight: Once, a delivery person accidentally knocked my Arlo off its mount. I got an alert, saw the footage, and fixed it before it could be stolen. That secondary camera paid for itself in one day.

Step 7: Hide a GPS Tracker (Optional but Powerful)

If your camera does get stolen, a hidden tracker can help recover it—or at least identify the thief.

• Buy a small, waterproof GPS tracker (Tile, AirTag, or Apple AirTag with a rugged case).
• Hide it inside the mount base or in a nearby junction box.
• For Arlo Ultra or Pro models, some users tape a tracker behind the camera’s battery compartment (not inside the electronics).
• Register the tracker with your phone and enable “lost mode.”

Note: This won’t stop theft, but it increases recovery odds. In a few cases, police have used trackers to locate stolen Arlo cameras.

This step adds a layer of “what if” protection to your how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips strategy.

Step 8: Enable Arlo’s Built-in Security Features

Your Arlo camera isn’t just a lens—it’s a smart device with tools to help prevent and respond to theft.

• Enable motion alerts: Get instant notifications when someone approaches.
• Use activity zones: Focus on high-risk areas (like near the camera mount).
• Set up geofencing: Automatically arm/disarm when you leave or return.
• Enable cloud recording: So footage is saved even if the camera is stolen.
• Use Arlo Secure (paid plan): For AI-powered person, package, and vehicle detection.

I once got a “person detected” alert at 2 a.m. I checked the app—saw someone trying to unscrew my camera. I called the police, who arrived in time to scare them off. The cloud footage was key.

These features turn your camera into an active security tool, not just a passive recorder.

Step 9: Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Security isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. Check your setup every 3–6 months.

• Inspect mounts, screws, and tethers for rust, loosening, or wear.
• Clean the lens and housing—dirt can block motion detection.
• Test the camera’s view and adjust if needed (tree branches grow, snow accumulates).
• Check that your GPS tracker (if used) has battery life.
• Update your Arlo firmware—security patches matter.

I do a quick “security audit” every spring and fall. It takes 15 minutes and keeps everything working.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of testing and real-world use, here’s what I’ve learned—the good, the bad, and the “why didn’t I think of that?”

Pro Tip 1: Camouflage your camera. Paint the mount or cage to match your house. A white camera on a brown fence stands out. A brown camera blends in. Less visibility = less temptation.

Pro Tip 2: Use multiple deterrents. Don’t rely on just a mount or just a light. Combine a cage, tether, light, and secondary camera. Layered security is far more effective.

Pro Tip 3: Label your camera as “24/7 Surveillance” or “Video Recording.” A small sign or sticker can deter opportunistic thieves. It’s psychological—they’ll think twice.

Common Mistake 1: Overlooking the power source. If your Arlo is wired (like Arlo Ultra), protect the power cable. Use conduit or bury it. A cut cable means no camera.

Common Mistake 2: Ignoring firmware updates. Arlo regularly patches security flaws. An outdated camera is vulnerable to hacking—which can lead to physical theft if the thief knows it’s unsecured.

Common Mistake 3: Installing in “dead zones.” Avoid spots blocked by trees, awnings, or walls. If your camera can’t see, it’s useless—and easy to steal.

Personal insight: I once installed a camera behind a bush for “stealth.” It worked for a month—until the bush grew and blocked the view. Now I trim regularly and use a cage to protect it.

Remember: how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips isn’t about perfection. It’s about making theft inconvenient, risky, and likely to fail.

FAQs About How to Secure Arlo Camera from Being Stolen Expert Tips

Q: Can I just hide my Arlo camera so no one sees it?

Not really. If it’s hidden, it’s also blind. A camera’s job is to see. Instead, make it visible but hard to access. Use a cage or tether so it’s obvious but not easy to steal. Visibility + security = best combo.

Q: Are GPS trackers legal to use on stolen cameras?

Yes, as long as you own the device and aren’t tracking someone else’s property. But check local laws—some states have rules about tracking in public. Use trackers responsibly and only for recovery.

Q: What if my Arlo camera is stolen? Can I track it?

If you have a hidden tracker and cloud recording, yes. Report it to the police with the tracker ID and footage. Arlo also offers a “lost mode” in some models. But prevention is far better than recovery.

Q: Do I need a paid Arlo plan to secure my camera?

Not for physical security (mounts, tethers, etc.). But a paid plan like Arlo Secure gives you cloud storage, AI detection, and 24/7 monitoring—which helps catch thieves. For how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips, it’s worth the investment.

Q: Can someone reset a stolen Arlo camera and use it?

Yes, but it’s not easy. Most Arlo models require a factory reset, which deletes your account. But if they’re tech-savvy, they can reuse it. That’s why physical security matters—don’t let them get it.

Q: Is it safe to install a camera in a tree or on a pole?

Only if it’s secure. Trees sway, poles can be climbed. Use a sturdy mount, tether, and cage. And check it regularly—weather and animals can loosen hardware.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to secure an Arlo camera?

Start with a security mount and motion light—under $30. Add a cable tether later. These two steps stop most opportunistic thefts. It’s the core of how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips on a budget.

Final Thoughts

Securing your Arlo camera isn’t about spending a fortune or turning your home into a fortress. It’s about smart, layered choices that make theft too much trouble to bother.

Start with a secure mount and high placement. Add a tether, cage, and motion light. Use secondary cameras and Arlo’s smart features. And don’t forget maintenance—security fades if you ignore it.

The goal isn’t to make your camera unstealable (nothing is). It’s to make it not worth the effort. Most thieves are looking for an easy win. When they see your setup, they’ll move on to a softer target.

So take action today. Pick one or two steps from this guide and implement them. Even small changes make a big difference.

Because at the end of the day, your peace of mind is worth more than any camera. And with these how to secure Arlo camera from being stolen expert tips, you’re not just protecting a device—you’re protecting your home.