If you’re like me, you probably have an Arlo camera or two around your home.
They’re a great way to keep an eye on things and provide peace of mind when you’re out or away on vacation.
But if your Arlo camera is stolen, can the thief still use it?
Someone could still use a stolen Arlo camera. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do in such a situation apart from filing a police complaint. All’s not lost, however, as you can still get a replacement from Arlo if you’re a paid subscriber.
In this blog post, I’ll explain what you should do if your Arlo camera is stolen and how you can get a replacement.
I’ll also explore ways to better secure your cameras so they’re less likely to be stolen in the first place and provide tips for improving the overall security of your system.
What To Do if Your Arlo Wireless Camera Is Stolen
If your wireless camera is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police to help you track down your camera and potentially catch the thief.
You should also contact your home insurance provider.
They may be able to reimburse you for the cost of your camera.
If you’re subscribed to Arlo’s paid subscription plan, you’ll be eligible for a replacement camera under their theft replacement program.
It’s also a good idea to review your security system to see if any areas need improvement.
This is especially important if you have an older system that may not be as effective as it once was.
Protect Your Footage With Arlo’s Cloud-Based Subscription
If you have an Arlo camera, you can rest assured your footage is secure.
But this is only for those that have chosen a cloud-based subscription.
If you have a locally-stored video, the thief can access your footage.
A slot is available for a memory card in some cameras, making it easier to access the footage by extracting the card.
So, if you’re still using an SD card for storage, it’s time to switch over.
The most significant advantage that cloud storage has over sd card storage is that thieves can’t access these systems, even if they have your camera.
You can rest assured that your footage is secure when the camera is gone.
Whereas, if your camera has inbuilt storage through an sd card, it’s pretty easy for a thief to take it out & destroy it.
In Shanghai, a funny incident occurred when a man stole a CCTV camera and installed it in his own house without changing the IP address.
The original owner was able to track all his day-to-day activities.
This would never be possible for a camera with an inbuilt sd card storage.
How To Protect Your Arlo Wireless Camera From Being Stolen
The best way to keep someone from using your camera is to prevent your camera from being stolen at all. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.
Mount the Camera Further Up
The number one reason cameras get stolen is they’re not mounted high enough.
If your camera is mounted low, it becomes an easy target for thieves.
The best way to protect your camera is to mount it as high up as possible.
Make sure placement doesn’t compromise the quality of your footage.
You want to be able to see what’s going on, after all.
Make the Camera Less Visible
Another way to make your camera less tempting for thieves is to make it less visible.
You can do this by mounting it behind a tree or under an eve. You can also buy a unique cover for your camera to help it blend in with its surroundings.
Use a Sound Security System
The best way to protect your home and your Arlo cameras are to have a sound security system in place. This can deter thieves from even attempting to break into your home.
A security system can be a simple alarm or a more comprehensive system that includes cameras, motion sensors, and more.
No matter what type of security system you have, it must be adequately monitored so you can be alerted if ever there’s an intrusion.
Lock Cameras Up in Cages
Cages aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but they’ll protect your cameras from being stolen. Perhaps an extreme measure, but worth it if your neighborhood is prone to theft.
Investing in a good quality lock and chain will also help to deter thieves.
You can buy special cages for your Arlo cameras, or you can make your own.
Make sure your cage is made of sturdy material and properly secured.
Mount the Camera Securely
The last thing you want is your camera to be stolen because it wasn’t mounted securely.
Using regular magnetic mounts is what many still prefer, however, these are rather easy to knock over and should be avoided.
It’s important to use the appropriate screws and anchors to secure your camera in place.
You should also check the mounting every so often to verify it hasn’t come loose.
Tips for Choosing a More Secure Wireless Camera
When choosing a wireless camera, consider these features that make it more difficult for someone to steal:
- An alarm system: If someone tries to tamper with or steal your camera, the alarm will sound and alert you (or your neighbors) of the intrusion.
- Tamper-resistant hardware: This will make it much more difficult for someone to access your camera’s live feed or recordings, even if they can steal the device physically.
While no security measure is 100% foolproof, following these tips can make it more difficult for someone to steal your wireless camera successfully.
Could Someone Still Use a Stolen Arlo Camera? Conclusion
While a thief could still use your stolen Arlo camera, there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting away with it.
To help protect your camera and its footage, be sure to register your device and mount it in a safe, secure location.